USU, PA and ETU (The combined Unions) members reject Transgrid’s Offer

Transgrid employees have overwhelmingly rejected the company’s wages offer at depot meetings around NSW. As the combined unions we urge members to stand firm for a fair pay rise by voting NO in the ballot that opens on Wednesday 26 May.

We urge members to Vote No based on the following reasons:

Treasury forecasts an inflation rate totalling 7.5 per cent over the three years of the next EBA. With the current offer of 6 per cent in pay rises coupled with the failure to pass on increases to superannuation due to the 15% cap on superannuation increases means that members will fall behind inflation upon accepting this wages offer which in reality only equates to 1.5%.
The Treasury data in Federal Budget papers pegs CPI inflation at 3.5 per cent in 2020/21, 1.75 per cent in 2021/22, and 2.25 per cent in 2022/23.
Combined Union members deserve a real wages and superannuation offer, especially when Transgrid is prospering with $7 billion confirmed work in the pipeline.
The combined unions have concerns about aspects of the TransGrid proposed agreement in relation to changes to the consultation clause and the company’s definition of what constitutes a “significant” change. This would impact on the rights of workers and their unions to consult with the company on the issues that affect you.
The combined unions also do not accept Management’s attempt to cut the Saturday penalty rates for workers who start overtime after 12pm from double time to time and a half for the first two hours. This claim from management was rejected by the combined unions and taken off the table in meeting 5 yet management have included it in the EA document anyway!

Management’s proposed pay rise falls well below industry standard rates achieved by Union members at transmission companies nationally, including Powerlink in Queensland.

Powerlink’s EBA signed in 2020 pays 9 per cent in wage increases over three years and Eraring Power station locked in a 3% increase each year for the next 4 years.

The compulsory Superannuation Guarantee Levy will increase by 0.5% on the 1st July 2021, but instead of flowing that on to their employees, Transgrid management expect you to absorb this increase due to the 15% cap on superannuation in the EA. This effectively means the 2% offer in wages is only 1.5%.

Transgrid employees are worth much more than an effective pay rise of 1.5% per year.

Transgrid employees are the most highly skilled and dedicated in the industry. Why should our members accept second-class status?

The combined union members rejected the company’s low-ball offer at meetings in depots and via Webex over the past fortnight with most votes unanimous. We need to make those strong views count and send a clear message to management by ensuring the maximum NO vote next week.

Once the current substandard offer is binned, the combined unions will bargain for the pay rises you need and deserve.

If you have any questions about this email or require any assistance at work, please contact one of your delegates or organisers listed below.

TransGrid Delegates