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The Journal of the Electrical Trades Union of Australia, NSW Branch AUTUMN 2008 Stop the sell off

he ETU is spear- heading the battle against electricity T privatisation on behalf of families, and businesses, across New South Wales – just as it did in 1997. NSW state secretary, Bernie Riordan, says jobs and membership dues are a side issue in a debate that goes to the core of how a Labor Government should deliver for its constituency. Riordan estimates the Morris Iemma-Michael Costa plot to flog off electricity generators and retailers would, at most, affect the jobs of 300 ETU members. ‘I have never heard of a pri- workers any more than five ‘It is fair to say the for any government. It is espe- vatisation or a long-term lease, years of price regulation will Government has come up with cially bad policy for a Labor anywhere in the world, which protect the consumers of 2014. some innovative and crafty government because it hits the resulted in lower prices, better Privatisation has a track ways to buy silence on this living standards and security of service or more jobs,’ Riordan record of screwing consumers. issue but the majority of our the very people it was elected said. ‘And NSW is not about to In the US state of Virginia members will see these propos- to represent.’ break that trend. recently, a five-year electricity als for what they are – bribes,’ ‘When we beat this govern- price cap expired. The very Riordan said. Full report and more photos from the big ment’s 1997 privatisation plan next day, the private supplier ‘The bottom line is, electric- rally outside NSW Parliament – see page 3. we didn’t focus on employees – increased prices by a massive ity privatisation is bad policy job losses were simply going to 78%. be a by-product. We Just last month, in Victoria, campaigned around the long- consumers were slugged with a term effects the Carr/Egan 17% price hike. proposal would have on the The excuse of the privatised wider community. power companies? The ‘Iemma and Costa have dusted drought, of course, convenient- off a kite that wouldn’t fly 10 ly overlooking the fact that years ago. The detrimental Victorian baseload power effect on NSW families and con- comes from brown coal, a sumers will be exactly the same.’ process that only uses water as a The State Government has cooling agent. tried to sidetrack community Riordan says unions have a ETU MEMBERS BUILD HOUSE FOR SOPHIE concerns by offering a string of long and proud history of Two horrifying car accidents in 2003 and 2006 left little short-term sweeteners. fighting for the wider commu- Sophie Delezio with terrible injuries. With help from the Bonus payments and job nity and the battle against elec- ETU and the Heyday Group, Sophie’s family is set to move guarantees won’t extend to tricity privatisation is part of into a new, purpose-built house. future generations of electricity that tradition. Full story page 10 LO182_ETUNews0208_v5 16/4/08 1:06 PM Page 2

RIORDAN REPORT Active members win campaigns Bernie Riordan

t the start of 2007, would never have to go through plant, property and equipment The Premier has no mandate the union had an a campaign like that again ... transfer under the lease. for this course of action having ambitious target of But like you, I must have Employees are not given an said the exact opposite during Atwo election been too busy campaigning in option under the plan – they the election campaign. The victories the – state 2007 – I missed the announce- must transfer. proposal is bad policy, poor election in March and then ment of the NSW ALP’s the federal election later in intention to embark on the year ... MISSION electricity privatisation. THE NSW PUBLIC HAS NEVER ACCOMPLISHED. Once again the NSW Go- Last year’s federal election vernment is seeking to privatise WANTED THIS INDUSTRY PRIVATISED, victory was the sweetest of the generation and retail sectors them all. For two and a half of the electricity industry. AND I BELIEVE THEY NEVER WILL. years ETU members have It’s hard to believe, but just been campaigning to rid 10 years after the economic The Government loses all economically and a disaster 2 Australia of Workchoices and rationalists had to retreat with control over the generator. It socially. We have an obligation we succeeded. their tails between their legs, no longer receives its profit or to future generations to oppose I wish to take this opportunity someone has let them back out has any say over its existing or this proposition. to congratulate and thank all of of their cages. future generating capacity. All On a sad note, I would like to you for the role you played in I had certainly hoped that our of the plant and equipment will advise you of the passing of the ETU’s Your Rights at campaigns in 1997 and 1999 be redundant and worthless by former ETU Secretary Harry Work campaign. would have killed off this the end of the lease. Pitt. Harry passed away on The Your Rights at Work lunacy – but obviously I was Privatisation does not work! 3 March 2008. In this edition campaign has prove to me a relying on politicians displaying Look at examples in the USA, we pay tribute to his life and number of things: a modicum of commonsense UK, NZ, South Australia and contribution to the ETU. 1.The ETU is lucky enough and rational thought. Victoria. The Premier must Harry had an impact on to have some of the most We may have to go through believe that NSW will not suffer everyone that he met, he just active union members in the entire debate again, but I the financial and social traumas had one of those personalities. the country am confident that the which have been experienced in The history books will show 2.Our members were the vindicated stance that we took these areas following deregu- that Harry set the ETU on a success factor of the campaign in 1997 will be repeated. lation and privatisation. course of financial security. We with ETU Members engaging The provision of electricity So where to from here? owe him a huge thank you for the wider community with a to consumers in NSW is an Unions NSW have organised a his lifelong contribution to message culminating in the essential service. The NSW community rally on Saturday the ETU. best grassroots campaign this public has never wanted this 3 May at 9.30am outside the We have lost one of country has ever seen. industry privatised, and I ALP State Conference, our greats. 3.If we stand unified and fight believe they never will. Darling Harbour Convention May he rest in peace. for what believe in – we stand The proposed 99-year lease Centre. I encourage all ETU unified in victory. of the generators is nothing members and their families to So here I was thinking we more than a privatisation. The attend this rally. Bernie Riordan

Sydney Newcastle Wollongong Canberra Level 5, 26 Warabrook Level 2, 370 Pitt Street Boulevard, Warabrook, 63 Market Street 26-27 Darling St Sydney NSW 2000 NSW 2304 Wollongong NSW 2500 Mitchell ACT 2911 Tel: (02) 9267 4844 Tel: (02) 4968 2488 Tel: (02) 4229 8711 Tel: (02) 6163 6666 Fax: (02) 9267 4877 Fax: (02) 4968 3466 Fax: (02) 4228 5636 Fax:(02) 6163 6667

Production and Design Lodestar Communications – Ph (02) 9698 4511

ETU NSW AUTUMN 2008 LO182_ETUNews0208_v5 16/4/08 1:07 PM Page 3

STOP THE SELL-OFF 64% oppose privatisation as union rally surrounds parliament ETU MEMBERS SAY Bad for NSW ‘Tariffs will definitely be increased if the industry is sold. And the money won’t stay in NSW. It will go out of the state, most likely overseas to China or elsewhere.’ Mike Brien, Energy Australia, ETU Vice President

Makes no sense ‘Why are they trying to sell the most profitable part of the industry? The private sector will want more profits so obviously it will cost more.’ Luke Gillett, Energy Australia, Wallsend

ore than 10,000 people surrounded Power outages MNSW Parliament House on 26 February to ‘The network won’t be the same if they sell it. We 3 protest the planned sale of will get power outages such as we’ve seen in other the power industry. places where they’ve privatised the industry.’ The crowd sent a loud and clear message to politicians David Worell, Energy Australia, Newcastle arriving for the opening day of parliament. Unions NSW leader John Robertson told the rally that Jobs threatened the campaign against the sell ‘We live in a really small community and most of us off would continue unless the work on the power stations. Our jobs and our NSW Labor Government lis- livelihoods are threatened if this goes ahead.’ tened to the community. leaders to listen to the ‘Just this morning, the people,’ said John Robertson. Benita Ribaux, Integral Energy, Kandos Sydney Morning Herald pub- ‘Politicians should be under no lished a poll showing that 64% illusions. This is just the start.’ oppose the sale with only 25% The Unions NSW in favour,’ he said. leader said that unions had Won’t work The ETU contingent, learnt a lot in the three-year ‘Privatisation hasn’t worked with banking, airlines dressed in bright yellow t-shirts campaign to bring down the or anything else. It always hurts the workers and saying ‘Stop the Sell Off’, was Howard Government. ordinary people, that’s why I’m against it.’ the largest at the rally, with ‘The Howard government many members bringing family lost because it was arrogant and George Lunt, retired, 41 years at Integral Energy and friends to the event. out-of-touch. It’s very disap- The USU, CFMEU, PSA pointing that we have to be and many other unions sent here today because a Labor Stand up lively groups. Community and government is arrogant and environmental groups also out-of-touch. ‘I’m here to support all the guys from made their presence felt. And ‘MPs need to get the message Energy Australia and their families. We have then there were many individu- that we are not going away. We to stand up and be counted together and als and office workers who have the support of the com- stop this privatisation.’ came to support the cause. munity and we will keep up the ‘We want our political fight,’ said John Robertson. Alan Griffen, Enerserve property group

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Opposition builds to ENERGY WORKERS HAVE TOLD THE NSW TREASURER EXA THEY THINK OF ELECTRICITY PRIVATISATION – NOT NOW, N

housands of Energy Australia employees joined workers from T around the state in a February protest against the state Labor government’s privatisation plans. The decision to back the Unions NSW protest was carried unanimous- ly by around 2,000 Energy Australia ETU members who met at Canterbury Racecourse on 4 February. ‘We will stand together to defeat this unfair and destructive proposal from (Premier) Morris Iemma and (Treasurer) Michael Costa,’ said ETU delegate Mark Buttigieg. Captions ‘It’s obvious that workers don’t want this sale, the public doesn’t want this sale and rank-and-file ALP 4 members don’t want this sale. ‘Costa and Iemma need to look around and do what’s right for NSW

Power grabs – a brief history ‘Those who forget the lessons of

Remember Kerry Chikarovski? people thumped Chikarovski positions of the ETU and Unions The former NSW Liberal Party where it hurt. Her party won just NSW remain the same – privatising leader’s political career short- 33 seats against Carr’s 55, a decisive electricity is a short-term fix that circuited when she tried to sell-off result that catapulted the ALP into will have long-term consequences the State’s power. another 10 years in government. for consumers and workers. Chikarovski went to the 1999 Chikarovski was unceremonious- The evidence from modern poll promising all sorts of sweet- ly dumped as Liberal Party leader electricity privatisations is graphic: eners if electors gave her the and John Brogden took over the green light to sell the electricity job, promising before the following CALIFORNIA: ‘The verdict is in: system to private enterprise. election that electricity privatisa- California’s experiment with ener- Among the short-term lures she tion was off his party’s agenda. gy deregulation is not just a mess; used to entice voters were $1,000 Shortly after the 1999 poll, it’s a certifiable failure, according cash dividends to every house- Morris Iemma, MP for Lakemba, to everyone from the State’s gover- hold, or, if voters preferred, was promoted to his first ministe- nor to the very utilities that initial- $1,100 worth of shares in private agenda was rejected by the ALP rial job. ly backed the scheme. power companies, gratis. state conference and public opinion. Jump forward nine years and the ‘Although deregulation prom- Chikarovski told voters He drew a line in the sand with same Morris Iemma is taking up ised lower electricity rates for the Liberals would use the pre- Chikarovski as polling day Chikarovski’s cudgels. Not just the some 24 million customers of dicted $3.2 windfall to improve loomed. In his last interview policy but the strategy as well, California’s investor-owned utili- social services. before voters went to the polls, making short-term promises to ties, the State’s Public Utilities Her opponent Bob Carr had Carr declared electricity privatisa- stakeholders and pledging to spend Commission in January was learned the lessons of a bitter fight tion was off the Labor Party’s his windfall on social services. forced to grant a temporary emer- over privatisation, only two years agenda ‘forever’. While Iemma and the state gency rate hike.’ earlier, when his own privatisation Two days later, the will of the government have back-flipped, the CNN, January 4, 2001

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STOP THE SELL-OFF Costa’s power grab

and that’s keeping our electricity ACTLY WHAT network in public hands.’ Energy Australia staff voted NOT EVER. after hearing from ETU Secretary, Bernie Riordan, and Organiser, Steve Butler. Bernie labelled Costa’s plan to flog the industry’s retail arm a short-sighted fix that would have long term consequences for everyone in NSW. He said the State would lose a guaranteed income stream and jobs and conditions could be lost in the future. Mark Buttigieg said it was clear privatisation was a ‘no-win’ situation for everyone in NSW. MORRIS DANCING The February rally, outside ON PRIVATISATION Parliament House, was the The NSW Government went biggest public mobilisation to the last election with a against a privatisation drive that commitment to keep has been aggressively opposed electricity in public hands. by unions and rank-and-file On the eve of the state ALP members. election, Premier Morris Iemma categorically Energy Australia members rejected suggestions that 5 at Canterbury Racecourse Labor was working on any kind of privatisation agenda. ‘There is no plan to privatise our electricity network,’Iemma said. ‘That history are condemned to repeat them.’ George Santanya, poet and philosopher includes the generators, the poles and the wires. ‘These are important AUCKLAND: Two months of turn on peak supply, on 40 degree Wollongong University, says gov- government-owned assets. rolling blackouts rocked con- afternoons for example, the priva- ernments are better placed to ‘Making sure NSW has a sumers and forced small business- tised market allows them to deliver clean energy and lower stable and secure power es to the wall in 1998. Serious sup- charge whatever they want, and costs, than private enterprise. system is a priority ply problems were still affecting they do – often thousands of dol- ‘Publicly-owned enterprises because it is a key service the city in June, 2006. lars a kilowatt hour. have consistently provided elec- of government and vital for This built-in incentive works tricity at no greater cost than pri- our economic growth.’ VICTORIA: Property values against adequate investment and vately-owned enterprises and, Iemma might have chosen plummeted in the LaTrobe Valley, maintenance of baseload supply. often, for prices that were far less his words carefully but his heart of the State’s power industry, The ETU says public owner- than those charged by private move, immediately after after the industry was privatised in ship shields consumers because companies,’ she said. the election, to put retail the 1990s. Families saw the value generator price spikes can be ‘The government can borrow at and new generation of their homes fall by more than absorbed by retailers. lower rates and does not expect capacity up for sale, has 50% and the region remains one ‘Because both are government the high return on investment that left a lot of supporters of the most socially disadvantaged owned,’ the ETU says, ‘the a private company requires. feeling misled. in the state. absorption of the extra cost doesn’t ‘Private companies reduce their Unions, including the ETU On January 1, 2008, Victorian really matter. The profit of the costs by cutting workforces, and Unions NSW, are electricity consumers were hit by retailer might fall but the profit of maintenance and expenditure on leading the fight for 17% price increases. the generator rises. If both are pri- equipment. This seldom trans- public power. The core problem is that private vately owned the government lates to lower costs for consumers Unions NSW is putting the electricity companies make very loses its ability to protect the con- yet it often lowers reliability of case, and seeking broad little from baseload power, the sumer by “flattening” the market.’ supply and reduces services, as support, on a special supply that fuels our daily lives for Sharon Beder, Professor of well as depriving thousands of campaigning website: 90% of the year. But, when they Science and Technology at people of their livelihoods.’ www.stoptheselloff.org.au

ETU NSW AUTUMN 2008 LO182_ETUNews0208_v5 16/4/08 1:07 PM Page 6 People power

ETU members on the Your Rights at Work campaign trail and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

footy matches, concerts, and ran their own stalls and peti- tions. Your Rights at Work t- shirts and billboards were everywhere before the election campaign even kicked off. The ETU was centre stage, sponsoring a range of sports teams and events, from profes- sional surfing and ice hockey to kid’s footy, in the name of Your Rights at Work. Turn on an NRL or AFL match and anti-Workchoices messages would be beamed into your home. Turn up to the event and there was every chance you would be presented with a petition or post card. 6 Riordan makes no apologies for the association his union built with sport. ‘Sport, especially children’s sport, is at the heart of many of our communities. It was specif- ically threatened by the govern- TU members were people being actively involved where popular artists like ment’s assault on overtime, at the heart of a in the future of their society, Missy Higgins, the Whitlams, penalty rates and reasonable grassroots campaign then this was a classic example,’ Something For Kate and the hours,’ Riordan said. Ethat tossed John Riordan said. Hoodoo Gurus declared The writing was on the wall Howard’s anti-worker ‘The level of participation their hands. long before election day. government out of office. was extraordinary, from rank- But this mobilisation Poll after poll predicted The campaign, one of the and-file workers and benefici- owed more to committed indi- Howard’s Coalition govern- biggest in Australia’s history, aries to union officials, church viduals than star power or tra- ment was heading for defeat involved tens of thousands of leaders and celebrities. We’ve ditional protests. and when pollsters dug deeper union and community activists. seen nothing like it in this Tens of thousands of workplace legislation was the It ran from 1995, when country for decades.’ Australians set about sharing defining issue. Howard first announced his WorkChoices sought to write their concerns with neighbours, A typical piece of research, plans to shred incomes and job unions out of the national script, friends and workmates. There carried out in 24 Coalition-held security, until November, 2007, allowed unjustified sackings and were impromptu WorkChoices marginal seats, found that: when he became only the sec- forced people to compete for seminars on commuter trains, at • 76% supported requiring ond Australian Prime Minister jobs on the basis of lower wages barbecues, picnics and countless employers to collectively bar- to lose his own seat. and inferior conditions. neighbourhood meetings. gain if a majority of workers Commentators and pollsters Central to WorkChoices Thousands joined Your wanted it agreed – the campaign against were AWAs, individual employ- Rights at Work campaign com- • 70% thought individual con- WorkChoices was the biggest ment contracts that allowed mittees that morphed into the tracts gave too much power single reason for Howard’s defeat. employers to undercut negoti- ACTU’s successful marginal to the employer ETU Secretary, Bernie ated contracts. seats campaign. • 72% backed unfair dismissal Riordan, hailed the Australians saw through They burned shoe leather in a laws WorkChoices mobilisation as WorkChoices immediately. bid to roll WorkChoices sup- • 66% opposed laws making it ‘democracy in action’. Hundreds of thousands attend- porters out of federal parliament. easier to sue or fine unions ‘If democracy is defined as ed mass rallies and concerts They attended job meetings, over industrial action.

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YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK dumps Howard

would be able to register new everything we want or deserve ‘IF DEMOCRACY IS AWAs for another two years. but we do know it doesn’t Bernie Riordan praised com- have an irrational hatred for us DEFINED AS PEOPLE mitments to restore unfair dis- and that’s a big change,’ missal rights to four million Riordan said. BEING ACTIVELY INVOLVED workers; protect key condi- ‘Having said that, it is tions through a strengthened important that Kevin Rudd IN THE FUTURE OF THEIR safety net; and provide better remembers why Australians collective bargaining rights. voted for him.’ SOCIETY,THEN THIS WAS A He described them as ‘impor- The message has certainly CLASSIC EXAMPLE.’ tant steps in the right direction’. got through to John Howard’s However, he said, AWAs were former colleagues. — Bernie Riordan about lowering living standards Just three days after being and the longer they were thrown out of office, his Work- allowed to undermine going place Relations Minister, Joe Howard could see what was ments to the campaign – bright rates the more difficult it would Hockey, blamed WorkChoices. coming and tried to save his orange Your Rights at Work be to turn that situation around. ‘The people have spoken, the government with the biggest placards still flutter from the Riordan also questioned Labor Party has a mandate to backflip of his 11 years in office tops of power polls around Rudd’s support for big business tear up WorkChoices,’ Hockey – a ‘fairness test’ that watered Sydney, and across the state. stances on union right of entry told the ABC. down some of his legislation’s and the continued operation of Liberal senator Gary most draconian aspects. RUDD MAKES the Australian Building and Humphries declared his party It made no difference. He HASTE SLOWLY Construction Commission. ‘conspicuously out of touch’ had lost the people’s confidence The ETU is urging Kevin ‘Working people will have on industrial relations, 7 and on Saturday, November 24, Rudd to get on with the job of their differences with this climate change and they put him out to pasture. ripping up John Howard’s government. We won’t get Aboriginal reconciliation. Unions NSW claimed workplace relations laws. swings 25% greater than the NSW secretary, Bernie national average in seats Riordan, cautiously welcomed SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR ETU NSW MEMBERS & targeted by Your Rights at transitional arrangements, EMPLOYEES WITH ACCOR HOTELS & RESORTS Work activists. announced by Deputy Prime Hundreds of pieces of ETU Minister Julia Gillard, but The ETU has negotiated a very handiwork survive as monu- questioned why employers special member benefit for all members and employees with Accor Hotels & Resorts. Accor is a worldwide leader in hotels, tourism and corporate service, with over 4,000 hotels in 92 countries. Accor brands include; Sofitel, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons and Ibis. Accor have extended special rates to ETU NSW members and employees at over 120 Accor Hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Example of ETU rates are as follows: MERCURE HOTEL MELBOURNE $140 per room per night. One of the best CBD locations in Melbourne overlooking picturesque Treasury Gardens and within walking distance to Federation Square, Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rod Laver and Vodafone Arenas. ALL SEASONS KINGSGATE MELBOURNE $100 per room per night – Sun-Thurs. Centrally located in the west of the city centre of Melbourne, near Telstra Dome and walking distance from Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

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Bright spark lights up Gosford

im Mcfadyen spent over 40 years fighting for workers’ rights. JNow, as Mayor of Gosford, he’s advocating for the whole community. ‘I’ve been involved in the union for so long that I actually forget when it was I joined,’ jokes the ETU life member and President. ‘I went into the electrical industry straight out of school back in the late 1950s when I took on an apprenticeship to be a electrical fitter and mechanic with what is now Sydney Water. From there, I had a number of roles and ended in a senior management position.’ Despite that, Jim never left his union ideals behind. Jim Macfadyen and Electro Group apprentices. He says he learned, early on, community. After serving on ‘As a Labor Mayor, I’m in a training for a new generation of how important it was to stick various boards and community great position to work with electrical workers. with your union. organisations, he stood as an the State Government on He is company secretary for ‘Blokes may not realise it ALP council candidate in 2004. planning issues, improving the Electro Group Training 8 today,’ he says, ‘but back in the He is now set to use the roads, and ways we can protect Company and Skill Centre at early 60s electricians at the skills he learnt as a union our environment. Rhodes – a joint union-indus- Water Board were paid less activist in local government. ‘I want to make sure that try venture set up to train elec- than many other tradesmen, He said the mayoralty as a great workers’ rights remains an issue trical apprentices. like painters. Finally, in about opportunity to get things done for here in Gosford. This council Currently, Electro Group has 1966, we ran a campaign to get Gosford’s 165,000 people. has around 1,200 staff and I 350 apprentices at work. fairer pay for sparkies. The con- ‘I stood to be a local council- want to make sure we value our ‘They are the future of our ditions and pay they enjoy today lor because, just like workers workers and set an example for industry and, hopefully, many will come from the union’s work.’ have a voice with their union, I other organisations to follow.’ become ETU activists,’ Jim says. Jim has a long history of wanted our community to have As if he wasn’t busy enough, ‘It’s great to be able to give young making a difference in his a real voice on council,’ he said. Jim is committed to quality people a chance to get ahead.’ ETU HOLIDAY CABINS ETU Holiday Cabins at the Award Winning White Albatross Holiday Resort at the ocean end of Wellington Drive, Nambucca Heads. Close to shops, clubs and restaurants and nestled between the surfing beach and the lagoon. There are two cabins available, each capable of accommodating up to a maximum of six persons. The modern cabins are fully furnished complete with refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster, electric jug, cutlery, cooking utensils and colour television. Doonas and pillows are also provided. MORE INFO? CALL Laundry facilities are available, and there are also picnic and barbecue areas and a half tennis court on (02) 9267 4844 the resort grounds.

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ETU PEOPLE Paul ready for the next challenge

ewly ETU Assistant Secretary He worked at depots at Chullora, Enfield Paul Sinclair says the big lesson and Valley Heights before becoming a tem- of his 38 years in the industry is porary ETU organiser in 1986, and then a Nthat workers can win -– provided full-time organiser in 1987. they stick together and fight smart. In a very different environment compared to After two years coordinating the ETU’s today, Paul as a young ETU delegate was part efforts in the Your Rights at Work campaign, of winning campaigns for a shorter working Paul barely had time to celebrate Labor’s vic- week, improved conditions, protective cloth- tory in the November federal election. ing, free travel to work and tool allowance. His attention turned almost immediately The next phase of Paul’s career as an ETU to the shock move by the NSW government official saw him take up the challenge of to sell off big parts of the electricity industry. organising the construction and manufac- ‘The challenge ahead is to ensure the turing industries. power industry stays in public hands and ‘In the 1980s, we saw some major changes. that generators are not leased out,’ said Paul. It was the end of getting pay rises through the ‘But the Your Rights at Work campaign Industrial Relations Commission and the did not end with the federal election. We beginning of enterprise bargaining,’ said Paul. have won the battles but not yet the war. As an ETU organiser, Paul has been the ‘We must stay on the case until the Rudd face of the ETU in the manufacturing and ‘THE BIG CHALLENGE government meets its commitment to metal sectors. IN 2008 IS TO ENSURE THE remove WorkChoices,’ said Paul. He ran the successful campaign to win ‘That’s why our signs will stay up until the industry superannuation for all workers in POWER INDUSTRY STAYS Your Rights at Work campaign has achieved these sectors. our goals.’ Outside of work, Paul loves his sport and IN PUBLIC HANDS.’ Paul is a true veteran of the industry, kick- is a keen lifelong supporter of the ing off his career with State Rail in 1970. Parramatta Eels. 9 Rise of an accidental union official

sk Neville Betts how long he’s When the ETU rallied to defeat the worked at the union and you’ll Carr Government’s attempt to privatise Aget a simple answer. the electricity industry it was a very ‘A bloody long time.’ proud moment. And he’s not wrong. Neville became an And he remembers some other times as organiser at the tender age of 26 and says, dark but inspiring. to his knowledge, at that time he was the ‘I’ll never forget when Joh Bjelke- youngest ever official in the union. Petersen sacked 1,100 of our blokes in the ‘It all happened by accident,’ says SEQEB dispute. Union officials from all Neville. ‘The previous organiser was really over the country went up to assist them. I crook and had to step down so the branch was proud how we all pulled together in sent a bloke down on delegation. very oppressive circumstances.’ ‘Basically I’d been a linesman since I was Neville enjoys fishing and is learning 18 and had been active as a shop steward. to play the guitar, although he admits ‘Well, I’d broken my leg playing footy he won’t be reaching the level of his and was bored so I came into the union favourite bluesman, Stevie Ray Vaughan, office to help out on the phones. anytime soon. ‘They wanted a local to replace the for- His priority challenges, as Assistant mer organiser for good and they asked me. Secretary, are clear. ‘We still have to get ‘I WAS PROUD HOW I jumped at the chance.’ the fairness back in the federal industrial WE ALL PULLED TOGETHER Neville spent over 20 years as an organis- relations system that Howard ripped out.’ er before becoming Assistant Secretary last he said. ‘That’s the union’s number one IN VERY OPPRESSIVE year but says he’s ‘still a linesman at heart’. challenge. We also have to mobilise to In his time as an organiser Neville has defeat the ridiculous attempt to privatise CIRCUMSTANCES.’ been involved in countless campaigns. our electricity industry in NSW.’

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ETU PEOPLE Jamie wired on Sophie’s house lectro Group apprentices are working on a unique Eproject that will see burns victim Sophie Delezio living in a purpose-built northern beaches home. First-year apprentice, Jamie Daw, can relate first hand to some of the difficulties young Sophie faces in over- coming her disabilities. Jamie suffers profound hear- Far left: Jamie Daw. ing loss and has found the Above: Ian Mulholland, adjustments difficult, at times. Jamie Daw, Mathew Bellew. ‘It can be hard’, Jamie said. ‘I was laid off from my old job. ‘I used to work in the Telco industry until the market went bad. When I found myself without a job I realised I need- ed to change careers. wheelchair, three years into a badly burned that heat heating and computerised blinds ‘I wanted to become an electri- slow recovery from horrifying from normal incandescent at the press of a button. cian because there are more work burns suffered when a car light bulbs causes her pain. His company has been work- opportunities. I enjoy working ploughed into a Manly child- Special sterilising units are ing on the home since with my hands and am now just care centre. being installed to minimise September, 2006. The job weeks away from becoming a ETU State Secretary, Bernie the threat of infection and sun- requires a good deal of complex 10 second year apprentice.’ Riordan, learned the Heyday light levels are being automati- wiring and that’s where Electro Jamie got a start in the indus- Group was donating the labour cally controlled. Group expertise comes in. try with the Electro Group, a to build a modified three-story Heyday Group managing Part of the Heyday Group’s training organisation the ETU home for the Delezios that director, Ian Mulholland, says commitment to the charity helped establish. would cater for Sophie’s needs. the house will be run from a project has been to take on It became involved with the The large project is making centralised computer system apprentices to help with the Delezio house project after the use of sophisticated technology. that will allow the family to con- workload, giving the students youngster was run over in her Sophie’s skin has been so trol lighting, air conditioning, valuable on-site experience. ‘It is a good opportunity for the apprentices to work on a system that you don’t often find GOT A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK? THE ETU’S in a domestic residence. And, ASK MAN IN THE KNOW, AARON MCKINNON IS HERE TO HELP! for us, having the college responsible for the apprentices Aaron Payment for holidays has meant that if we ever come across a problem we can refer it [email protected] Q: What remaining public holidays have we still got to look forward to back to the training institute. this year? It’s good for everyone,’ Ian says. A: The minimum remaining entitlements are Queens Birthday, June 9; When ETU News visited the Labour Day, October 6; Christmas Day, December 25; Boxing Day, site, Jamie and fourth year December 26. apprentice, Matthew Bellew, Q: What are the rates of pay if you are employed on a public holiday? were hard at work. Ian says that having the A: Neither state nor federal legislation set penalty rates for members who apprentices has worked well. are asked to, and agree, to work on public holidays. Your rates are set out He said communication on in your award or agreement. a busy site is always an issue Federal agreement provisions that deny payment for anyone absent before but, in Jamie’s case, he had or after a public holiday do not apply, but normal sick leave provisions do, been trained well enough to if you are absent on those days because of an illness. be able to overcome his hear- For members employed under a state award or agreement there is no ing difficulties. change. They have to be present the days before and after a public holiday The Heyday Group expects to attract payment, if their award or agreement requires it. work on the Delezios’ new If you have any queries email me at [email protected] house to be completed by April.

ETU NSW AUTUMN 2008 LO182_ETUNews0208_v5 16/4/08 1:07 PM Page 11

ETU NEWS Getting a kick out of kids

A copper thief caught on surveilliance video. nions make sure never have been able to make everyone gets a fair it happen.’ go, especially the Under the Make A Wish Umost vulnerable. program seriously ill children Thieves turn to copper That’s why the ETU have their wishes fulfilled was proud to sponsor the ‘Kick through the Starlight t’s amazing what people didn’t realise their actions could 4 Kids’ day where budding Children’s Foundation. will steal these days. also cost the lives of workers. stars from Cronulla, Caringbah The Cronulla, Carringbah Believe it or not over At a Carlingford site, thieves Sharks Junior Rugby League money went to three children. I$100,000 worth of stolen stole $11,000 worth of copper Club raised more than One of them enjoyed a family copper is being traded in piping used to earth the network. $15,000 for the Starlight trip to the Gold Coast. Another, NSW every month. And ‘Another case saw copper Children’s Foundation Wish- with severe hip problems, got an most of it is coming from cables removed from power granting program. electric bike. The third child vis- building sites, electricity poles in Fairfield. Without these ‘The kids were sponsored for ited the set of McLeod’s Daughters, substations and railway lines. cables safety switches that pro- each goal they kicked on the day, and met the entire cast. That’s why the ETU is work- tect the public and electricity 11 with donations going to Kick 4 Kids has raised nearly ing with the State Government workers can be delayed or made Starlight Children’s Founda- $70,000 for children’s charities and police to stop this trade. inactive. Power workers don’t tion,’ said Cronulla, Carring- in four years, with support from ETU organiser Dave deserve to face these unneces- bah’s Dean Gillard. sponsors like the ETU. McKinley points out that cop- sary risks because of the behav- ‘To raise $15,000 was a ETU organiser Brad Curry per theft isn’t just illegal, it’s put- iour of idiots,’ Dave said. phenomenal effort. Without says the union is proud to sup- ting lives at risk, off and on site. ‘What’s more, mucking the help of the ETU we would port events like Kick 4 Kids. ‘Sites which deal in electricity around with a vital service distribution can be dangerous leaves the community at risk. FAIR GO CAMPAIGN FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING WORKERS places and these clowns stealing Stealing copper can cut elec- copper are not only putting tricity that affects public ETU members working in Sydney’s While the Rudd Government is their own lives at risk, they’re transport and hospitals.’ electrical contracting industry have removing some of the worst aspects of putting the lives of ETU mem- He says if workers see some- launched Fair Go 2008 – the union’s WorkChoices, more needs to be done, bers at risk,’ Dave said. one on site that shouldn’t be they campaign for a new enterprise especially in the building industry. He said that, only recently, a shouldn’t keep quiet about it. agreement in the industry. Legal restrictions have meant the person nearly died trying to cut Police are distributing a ‘Don’t Delegates from 15 of the largest early campaign meeting were held a live 11,000 volt cable in west- Cop It’ kit to help scrap metal contractors met on 16 April to discuss during lunchtime and before work. ern Sydney after being left with dealers prevent the trade and a log of claims and campaign strategy. However, this has strengthened the severe internal and external more surveillance cameras are Job meetings and surveys have resolve of the membership to ensure burns. He said copper thieves being installed in ‘at risk’ sites. already been held to ensure that that a decent outcome is achieved. members’ views are heard and A major focus of the campaign will taken into account. be those companies that have bullied Rank-and-file members are urged or bullshited their employees into to get active in Fair Go 2008 so making agreements outside the indus- that the best possible outcome can try standard. It is time to turn those be achieved. agreements around and get back on The campaign comes in a period board with a fair union agreement. when workers have faced a very Members working for companies hostile environment with WorkChoices, that have fallen by the wayside during CALL 1800 811 433 the Building Industry Improvement Act the Howard years are invited to con- and the Building Industry Code of tact the ETU to discuss how we can Practice all overseen by our very own help get them win a union agreement FOR A QUOTE police force the ABCC. with decent wages and conditions.

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OBITUARY Former ETU leader passes away

Church, Port Kembla. Harry to a dispute he was in it from was described by his close start to finish,’ said Bevan. friend, Bevan Fermor, as ‘a very Harry worked hard to strict Roman Catholic’. streng-then the financial posi- ‘He had a unique sense of tion of the ETU. ‘He was as humour,’ said Bevan, who had careful with the union’s money known Harry since 1959 and as he was with his own,’ said was at his bedside up to a few Bevan Fermor. hours before he passed away. Harry was a strong commu- Warwick Tomlin, Assistant nity leader in Port Kembla and to the Secretary based in campaigned long and hard for Wollongong, said: ‘Harry was a hospital to be built in the a person dedicated to the union area. When Port Kembla and the community.’ Hospital was finally built in the Harry’s contributions were 1970s, Harry was appointed as recognised in 1993, when he chairman of the board. was awarded the Order of Harry Pitt later served as Australia Medal by the chairman of the Illawarra Area Keating Government. Health Service Board and was Vale Martin Pitt Harry was proud of his also secretary of the Port Kembla involvement in many ETU Chamber of Commerce. artin (Harry) his apprenticeship at Australian struggles, including his support Both Harry Pitt and Bevan Pitt, a former Iron and Steel, Port Kembla. for the hundreds of Queens- Fermor were made Life ETU NSW Later elected as a full-time land ETU members sacked by Members of the ETU in 2001 MSecretary, died in union official, Harry spent the the Bjelke-Peterson state gov- and Life Members of the ALP Wollongong on 3 March, next 33 years working for the ernment in 1985. in 1993. 12 aged 77, after a long battle ETU, the last 10 as NSW Bevan Fermor said that ‘one Harry will be sorely missed with cancer. Secretary. He retired in 1993 of the highlights was when he and his memory treasured by Harry devoted his life to the and was succeeded by was arrested at the picket line the many ETU officials and union, first joining in February Bert Schmidt . in Queensland’. members who had the pleasure 1952. He became a shop stew- His funeral took place on ‘Harry picked his battles of working with him during his ard on the day he completed 7 March at St Patrick’s Catholic carefully, but if he committed long career.

COMMUNITY RALLY NSW families are struggling as it is SATURDAY 3 MAY 2008 If the government privatises electricity TELL THE IEMMA GOVERNMENT – NO! YOU WILL PAY MORE!!! Join concerned workers and families who want to stop the NSW This is your last opportunity to let the government know that the State Government trying to sell our electricity to a private company people of NSW say NO!!! Come and join the Rally outside the NSW ALP Conference The people of NSW can't sit back and let the government go ahead WHERE Darling Harbour, Convention Centre (near Olympic monument) as it will lead to: WHEN 9:30 am Saturday 3 May 2008 • Higher prices The electricity anti-privatisation Rally will be followed by the: MAY DAY RALLY AND PROCESSION • Less reliable supply, particularly in storms • Stop the Sell Off of public utilities • Jobs and services will go offshore • Demand rights at work for all workers For more information go to WWW.STOPTHESELLOFF.ORG.AU • Demand social justice for workers around the world. Join us at the rally outside the ALP STATE CONFERENCE ON 3 MAY

Authorised by John Robertson, Unions NSW , Trades Hall 4 Goulburn Street Sydney 2000.

ETU NSW AUTUMN 2008