Qld: More Ergon electricity workers on strike

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2008
Qld: More Ergon electricity workers on strike

BRISBANE, April 23 AAP - More Queensland electricity workers have walked off the job
over a breakdown in negotiations over pay and conditions.

Electrical Trades Union (ETU) assistant state secretary Peter Simpson said linesmen,
mechanics and electrical fitters employed by Ergon Energy in Mackay, Kingaroy, Monto,
Moura, Theodore and Biloela had downed tools for 24 hours.

Some workers started their stoppage at 7.30am (AEST) today and others at 10am (AEST), he said.

The industrial action followed yesterday's four-hour stoppage by clerical, technical
and administrative staff who are members of Australian Services Union (ASU).

Mr Simpson said ETU members were frustrated with Ergon and the state government because
little had been done to address maintenance problems with the electricity network.

Enterprise bargaining negotiations begun last July had also broken down, he said.

"ETU members are extremely unhappy about their treatment during this round of negotiations,"

Mr Simpson said.

Union members at other Ergon depots would take action tomorrow and overtime bans would
start in all Ergon areas outside the south-east corner on Friday.

"These rolling stoppages and bans will continue until some sanity is brought into these
negotiations," Mr Simpson said.

"During the campaign, standby crews will be available in all areas to maintain continuity
of supply."

AAP rad/pjo/it/bwl

KEYWORD: ERGON

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