Electrical workers fight for jobs
By Chris Spindler
ADELAIDE — One thousand Electrical Trades Union members are taking industrial action over the proposed introduction of contract labour by the Electricity Trust Supply A. An 80-member strong picket at the Elizabeth ETSA depot closed the depot on July 24 as a part of the rolling stoppages and bans imposed by the union.
The action is taking place in protest at the replacement of current job vacancies with contract labour. The union is arguing that workers should be employed as ETSA employees rather than contracting the work out.
In the past four years the 6200-strong ETSA workforce has shrunk by 3000. ETU members are demanding that the job shedding be stopped. They argue that contractors are not only more expensive but that safe work conditions cannot be guaranteed. With less meter readers, technicians and service electricians, services to the public will also deteriorate.
Martin Gibson, research officer with the Electrical Trades Union, said that "the issue is whether the ETSA workforce is topped up or replaced. There have been no meaningful discussions with the government or ETSA management. Until such time as we get communication the rolling stoppages and bans will continue".