The Electrical Trades Union is fighting to secure Transgrid workers a fair pay rise, as the cost of housing and other essentials climbs.
In Western Sydney, house prices have surged by 8 per cent over the past 12 months.
Despite this, Transgrid, a multi-billion dollar company, part-owned by a Hong Kong infrastructure firm, has failed to make an acceptable offer over 11 months of Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) negotiations.
Allen Hicks, Deputy Secretary, Electrical Trades Union, NSW & ACT Branch met workers at the Wallgrove depot today and said:
"Transgrid clearly has lost respect for its hard-working employees.
"Our members often work in tough conditions to maintain & repair vital infrastructure across the state to keep the power on for business and the community.
"Transgrid staff also maintained electricity supply while millions of Australians started working from home during the pandemic and regularly work in sweltering heat to ensure the grid isn't overwhelmed.
"Instead of rewarding staff, Transgrid is refusing to make an acceptable offer. We are fighting for a reasonable pay rise that protects families against higher living costs.
"I am calling on our members to vote no against the proposed EBA, to force this partly foreign owned multi-billion dollar company to come back with a fair offer.
"Transgrid has more than $6 billion of projects in the pipeline. It can clearly afford a pay rise for its workers but it is more interested in sending its profits offshore.
"Australian workers have experienced historically low wages growth, with the Reserve Bank identifying wages need to increase.
"If Transgrid refuses to listen and make an improved offer that fairly rewards workers, ETU members will consider a campaign of industrial action."
