Media release – CEPU, 6 August 2024

Workers Have Voted to Take Protected Strike Action at TasNetworks

The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union said Today, workers at TasNetworks have spoken loud and clear: they’re ready to take action. The votes have been counted, paving the way for Protected Industrial Action to commence on Wednesday, 14th August.

Despite assurances from TasNetworks’ CEO, Sean McGoldrick, that there will be minimal disruption, there will be over 300 workers taking action which will cause major disruption to the network, with the union warning of potential power outages across the state.

“The overwhelming support for action reflects our members’ resolve,” CEPU State Organiser Chris Clark said. “This is about fairness and equity—ensuring Tasmanian workers are not left behind.”

The workers’ claims, including equitable pay comparable to mainland counterparts, have been met with resistance at the negotiating table. “TasNetworks’ refusal to acknowledge the value of our members’ contributions leaves them no choice but to proceed with Fair Work-approved Protected Industrial Action,” Clark adds.

The merits of workers claims have been passionately explained in detail to the company at the negotiating table” CEPU State Organiser Chris Clark said, Despite TasNetworks telling the Fair Work Commission that “TasNetworks still does not understand the justification for the union’s wage claim” “surely they must be taking the piss” a disappointed union member who wishes to remain anonymous said after hearing the comment made by TasNetworks.

A labour market analysis that compared TasNetworks Enterprise Agreement with those of their mainland counterparts doing the exact same job, showed that Tasmanian power industry workers are the lowest paid in the country, TasNetworks even pay their subcontractors a higher rate of pay than their own workers, shame.

“Your labour isn’t less valuable, just because you’re Tasmanian” CEPU State Organiser Chris Clark said. TasNetworks workers are paid on average 30% less than their mainland counterparts, and in some roles, it is as high as 50% less. We are all connected to the same grid that generates, transmits, buys and sells power every day on the National Energy Market, Same Job, Same Pay.

Media release – TasNetworks, 6 August 2024

Protecting reliability for Tasmanians

TasNetworks is confident any disruption from imminent industrial action will be kept to a minimum.

The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) has had a successful ballot to begin protected action, in response TasNetworks’ revised Enterprise Agreement offer.

TasNetworks respects team members’ right to take lawful protected industrial action. Industrial action only lawful and protected for union members. It must remain within the described actions parties have given notice of.

Because TasNetworks performs an essential service for Tasmanians, there are laws to protect safety and reduce the community impact of industrial action.

TasNetworks CEO, Seán Mc Goldrick, said the business is offering an Enterprise Agreement that supports and rewards its people, while keeping power prices under control for Tasmanians.

“We need to keep power prices down. We’re offering a good deal that supports and rewards our people better than ever before, while protecting Tasmanians on power prices,” Dr Mc Goldrick said.

“Tasmanians can’t afford the unrealistic wage increases being sought (up to 35 per cent). That would put huge pressure on power prices.

“Industrial action brings some disruption. But Tasmanians can rest assured that laws to protect essential services will shield the network and minimise disruption. As ever, safety’s our top priority.

“We’ve seen the scope of lawful industrial action proposed by the union, and have preparations in place. Provided only lawful action’s taken, we’re confident we can protect Tasmanians from the impact of that action,” he said.

TasNetworks’ revised Enterprise Agreement offer includes:

  • A Year 1 wage increase of seven per cent, plus a one-off payment of $2,000;
  • Year 2 and 3 increases linked to CPI, with no capped maximum (keeping pace with inflation);
  • Paid parental leave of 15 weeks for both parents;
  • Days off (no longer charged as annual leave) during Christmas to New Years Day shutdown;
  • Many other improved provisions.