After two ill-advised votes which ultimately failed, Ausgrid filed a bargaining dispute under s240 of the FW Act in November of last year.  Over an intensive 2 day conference facilitated by Commissioner Riordan in early December, the parties were able to reach in principle agreement. 

The Agreement was then voted up with a YES vote of 89%, with the Fair Work Commission ratifying the Agreement on February 7th.  Wages achieved in the Agreement are:

  • 7% + 1 step salary system progress OR $2,500 (top of band) + 0.5% in superannuation back dated to 1 September 2024.
  • Another salary system step progression OR $2,500 on 1 July 2025.
  • The greater of 3% or CPI, whichever the greater + 0.5% into superannuation on 1 September 2025.
  • The greater of 3% or CPI, whichever the greater, on 1 September on 1 September 2026.
  • Agreement expiry and full implementation of new salary system on 1 July 2027.

It must be noted in the case of Ausgrid that it was officials from THIS union who, on or about the 21st of August last year, advised the business strongly against putting out an Agreement that didn’t address the following:

  • Pay increases of AT LEAST 3% in years’ 2 and 3;
  • Increased certainty within the new salary system; and
  • Backpay or an upfront payment.

The business outright ignored this advice and proceeded to vote on 2 occasions, with the second NO vote being greater than the first.  That we were able to achieve the 3 results listed above via the s240 process was welcomed by officials, delegates and members alike.

Transgrid

As previously advised, the parties were headed towards a 5 day hearing period in the week beginning December 16.  This hearing proceeded with the parties arguing on the following outstanding items:

  • Wages and superannuation;
  • Overtime rates;
  • Flexible working;
  • Income protection; and
  • Contracting out.

We await the decision of the FWC’s Full Bench with no available indication as to when we can expect a decision.

Endeavour Energy

The parties engaged in a 14 day post intractable bargaining declaration period with little success.  Outstanding items were whittled down from 34 to 18.  With that being the case, the parties await the commencement of a 5 day hearing during the week beginning March 31st, 2025.  Outstanding matters include:

  • Wages and superannuation.
  • Overtime payments.
  • Outsourcing/contracting.
  • Various allowances.