A LONG-RUNNING dispute between Essential Energy and the unions representing workers is no closer to resolution after attempts by both parties to break the stalemate failed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The combined unions, represented publically by the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), has criticised Essential for not negotiating with them, while the power provider said it had made a number of concessions in a revised Enterprise Agreement that were also rejected.
ETU secretary Steve Butler said the unions asked Essential Energy to meet in the Fair Work Commission to resolve outstanding issues. That offer was rejected by Essential Energy, with acting chief executive officer Gary Humphreys claiming it wouldn't be appropriate for "a third party to decide whether such important changes that are urgently required will be implemented."
"Essential Energy's position has been clear during the negotiation process - it must make a number of significant reforms to operate with the flexibility and efficiency of other modern businesses, in order to provide electricity without unnecessary costs to customers," he said.
In return Essential said it had offered terms in a revised draft EA that included the continuation of long-standing long service leave entitlements, maintaining superannuation entitlements well above the Superannuation Guarantee Charge.
The agreement would also include involuntary redundancy, a part of the "significant reform to drive efficiency", but with an enhanced package to support employees impacted by the reform, Mr Humphreys said.
Mr Butler said Essential's "pig-headed refusal" of the union's offers showed the company was determined to push for an EA that "would result in thousands of regional workers losing their jobs or being left worse off through the loss of pay and conditions".
"It's now clear that rather than resolve this dispute through the use of the independent umpire, Essential Energy would rather spend taxpayer's money and continue with their callous attack on regional workers, leaving these people with no option but to consider escalating the dispute," Mr Butler said.
Mr Humphreys said Essential Energy was aware industrial action had been scheduled for Wednesday, May 11. He said the company respected the stop-work action but was seeking assurances from the ETU the safety of the community and employees wouldn't be compromised.
