Northern Rivers power workers rally outside Janelle Saffin’s electorate office
By The ETU
Northern Rivers power workers travelling from depots in Lismore, Kyogle and Casino rallied outside local member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP’s office on Thursday 3 Oct, protesting publicly owned energy company Essential Energy’s refusal to provide workers with fair pay.
These local workers joined hundreds of Essential Energy workers statewide also rallying at local depots or en masse in Port Macquarie at the company’s headquarters to demand fair wages and working conditions that keep pace with the cost of living.
Electrical Trades Union (ETU) NSW/ACT Acting Secretary, Brad McDougall, said Essential Energy workers in Northern Rivers – who maintain and operate the local electrical distribution network – have watched their wages go backwards in real terms over recent years.
“All these workers want is a fair go – a decent pay increase that helps them and their families keep their heads above water,” Mr McDougall said.
“Workers at Essential Energy have been trying to negotiate a fair agreement for many months now, but the bosses are simply refusing to listen.
“Northern Rivers power workers could earn up to $10 more an hour more as an entry level line worker if they moved across the border to Queensland. We don’t want to lose these frontline workers, but if Essential Energy keeps treating them with such contempt, we’ll no doubt see more workers forced to pack up their families and leave.
“Entry level lineworkers at Essential Energy now earn more than 20% less than the same worker at Energy Queensland.
“These workers are among the first responders in emergency situations who restore power during severe weather events at any time of the day or night. They deserve to be able to provide for themselves and their families.
Mr McDougall said the gap between workers’ wages and the cost of living is widening, which is having a significant impact on local workers and their communities.
“Our power workers are local Northern Rivers community members trying to pay their bills, rent, kids sporting fees and groceries just like every other family. That’s getting harder and harder as the cost of living rises and their wages continue to stagnate.
“We’re very hopeful that common-sense will soon prevail and Essential Energy will come to the table with an offer that provides workers with the fair pay and conditions they deserve.”
