20 20 NNIVERSARY
NNIVERSARY EDITION
EDITION
CONTENTS
86 BRANDING & COMMUNICATIONS
6
FOREWORD
60 16 Conten 78 68 HISTORY AT A GLANCE
CAMPAIGNS, DISPUTES & POLITICS
90 THANKYOU ETU FAMILY
TRAINING/LICENSING & APPRENTICES
ETU IN THE COMMUNITY
91
THEN & NOW TYPICAL ENTITLEMENTS
Forewo Foreword
Fore word BY TROY GRAY
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E T U VI C T O R I A T H E N & N O W
1 2 0 YEARS ANNI V ERS ARY ED I T I ON
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THE THE
JOURNEY JOURNEY T
he 13th of May this year sees the mighty Victorian ETU turning 120 years old. Victoria was proudly the national birthing ground of the ETU, which in later
years went on to become a strong and respected national Union fighting for
electrical workers and their families throughout the country.
The Victorian Branch has almost 20,000 members working in a range
of different industries across the State including power, rail, manufacturing, construction, petrochemical, food, lifts – just to name a few.
The Branch is a very diverse and inclusive craft-based Union.
The evolution of the Victorian Branch of the ETU is not only remarkable, but
virtually unprecedented around the world – most other craft Unions, like electrical Unions, in other countries either disappeared or were swallowed up by other Unions in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
For the Victorian ETU to not only continue to exist, but go from strength to
strength is a story that should be told. We’ve come a long way from the days when a small group gathered in Lonsdale Street in 1902, and went on to create the ETU.
In the early days, we only had one Union Official with a motorbike and sidecar – not even an office.
Electrical Trade unionists attending the Eight-Hour Day parade, circa 1902.
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FO R E W O R D B Y T R O Y GR AY
T H E J OURNEY
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GROWING GROWING STRONG STRONG T
hese days, we boast a strong membership approaching 20,000, 18 Officials, 35
staff, a training centre, a wellbeing centre, a communications department, a political research department, a financial department, a merchandise department, and more.
Our leaders and Officials have always been rank and filers who have worked on the tools and represented members on the shop floor. We are proud to boast a 400-strong network of workplace Delegates across Victoria, who are critical to our success in representing and achieving the highest outcomes for electrical workers and their families.
We succeed because we put our members first, winning some of the best wages
and conditions for electrical workers anywhere in the world. At the same time, we ensure safe workplaces, protect the trade, and enhance employment and training opportunities
for all members. We have won respect industrially, politically and within the community and wider Union movement.
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FO R E W O R D B Y T R O Y GR AY
G ROW I NG S T RONG
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ATRUSTED TRUSTED UNION UNION A
T
he ETU is a trusted and respected
and workplace conditions, and deliver outcomes
given – they’re earned – and over 120
120 years, we proudly stand stronger than
organisation. Trust and respect aren’t
years, our Union has earned this reputation.
As we stand here today, with over
that make a difference to members’ lives. After ever!
Through the combined strength of the
$230 billion worth of infrastructure work to
Union and many long, hard-fought campaigns,
with an uptake in renewables, offshore wind
workplace conditions and wages anywhere in
be built in Victoria in the coming years, and farms, electric cars and charging units coming
on line, the ETU is well positioned to continue
Victorian ETU members enjoy some of the best Australia.
But our role goes way beyond that,
to represent the needs of its 20,000 members
demanding that members are treated with
meet the challenges these new industries and
the reason why we’ve campaigned so hard for
and their families, and will continue to evolve to the future will bring.
The ETU has a strong culture, based on
a militant organising model of unionism. We are
not afraid to stand up and fight to protect pay
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FO R E W O R D B Y T R O Y GR AY
respect and dignity on and off the job. This is
family-friendly working hours to ensure that
members have genuine time off to spend with, and enjoy raising, their families through their entire working lives.
A T RUS T ED UNI ON
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120 ANNIVERSARY 120 ANNIVERSARY
EDITION
S R A YE
EDITION
N E TH
This 120 year anniversary edition of the ETU Victoria magazine encapsulates
the very unique and proud journey the Union has taken from its inception in 1902 to the modern, respected organisation that it has become today. As you look through the magazine, I not only hope that you learn about the history of the ETU, but also recognise the sacrifices, efforts and hard work of all those that came before us. Those sacrifices, hard work and efforts have led to what we hold dear today - electrical workers and their families having respect and a living standard that they deserve, alongside a Union that is stronger than ever and that continues to go from strength to strength. Our history is a long and proud one that stretches back to the very earliest days of light and power in Melbourne, and that history has built a Union that
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W O N
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FO REWORD BY TROY G RAY
shines brighter than ever today!
120 YE ARS AN N IVE RSARY E DITION
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15
History History History at a atata a glance glance glance
Electrical Men installing some of Melbourne’s first cables at the south-east corner of Collins and King Streets, circa 1888/1890.
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ET U VI C T O R I A T H E N & N O W
C ELEBRAT I NG 1 2 0 YEARS
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1800 s AN INDUSTRY BEGINS E
The first night footy match under lights at the MCG was played between Carlton and Melbourne in 1879.
lectricity was introduced to Melbourne in 1867 to celebrate the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit. Parliament House, the Post Office and the Telegraph Office were lit up with arc lamps supplied from a series of chemical batteries.
In 1877, the Apollo Stearine Candle Company were the first to light their factory for
night work. By appointment, the manager could take you on a tour to see this strange new technology; an arc lamp supplied by a dynamo.
At 8.30pm on the 13th of August 1879, Carlton played Melbourne at the Melbourne
Cricket Ground, in the first night game to be played in Victoria under electric light (8,000
candlepower).The lights proved unsuccessful as the players were either blinded or got lost in the shadows but nevertheless, 7,000 people watched Carlton win three goals to nil.
In 1882, the Athenaeum Hall was lit by arc lamps and they were so impressive the
Apollo
Opera House Company lit up their auditorium with 120 lamps.
Suddenly, electricity was being taken seriously. Supply companies began to pop up
across Melbourne like mushrooms; poles carrying electric wires and transformers began to
Stearin
e Cand
le Com
pany.
line the streets. Incandescent lamps had been developed and young men were going off to
college to study electricity and then looking for careers in it. This was the beginning of the electrical industry which ultimately led to the creation of the ETU.
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HI S T O RY AT A GL ANC E
The Athenaeum Hall.
AN I ND US T RY BEG I NS
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ELECTRICAL
190
MEN T
he magnificent 120 year history of the Victorian ETU started in 1902 when posters were put all around Melbourne and in The Argus newspaper calling for all electrical men to meet in the co-operative rooms at 288 Lonsdale Street for the purpose
of forming a Union. Shortly thereafter, Andy McPhail was voted in as the first Union
Secretary. Fifteen days later, the ETU became affiliated with the Victorian Trades Hall and
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HI S T O RY AT A GL ANC E
1900s
the broader Union movement.
t minen st proon, held e li r a our e ’ Henders . s ne of ht: O ert ‘Snowyor 41 year ig r m f Botto rs was AlbSecretary leade osition of the p
ELEC T RI C AL MEN / 1 9 0 0 S
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1900s
sheet first balance The Union’s 1902, good for £73 in Decemberlent to $135.30). (equiva
1900S Extract: Mr McPhail Sec newly formed
electrical
employees
association stating that they had
of Trades The Minutesheld on the l ci un o C Hall ,1902. 23rd of May
formed a union and acceded to affiliate with the council.
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HI S T O RY AT A GL AN C E
ELEC T RI C AL MEN / 1 9 0 0 S
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1910s T
he road to becoming a national Union
with 65,000 members started with the Victorian ETU in 1912, with Vern Gunst
being voted in as the National Secretary.
It was at this time that the Union
employed its first Organiser, Jim Hudson. Jim would be the only Organiser
until
he
died in 1943; and
his descendants are
proud ETU members
working in the industry to this day.
Jim n o s d u H
rst n’s fi o i n U The
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HIS T O RY AT A GL ANC E
The Federated Electrical Trades Union of Australia Eight-Hour Day float, circa 1912.
iser
Organ
1910S
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1900 - 1910s
DID YOU
KNOW? The 1902 VFL Grand Final was played between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG. The match, attended by 35,202 spectators, was won by Collingwood by a margin of 33 points, marking that club’s first VFL premiership victory.
In 1902, the Commonwealth Parliament passed the Uniform Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902, which enabled women In 1910, Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Street Station was completed, replacing the railway buildings which were first erected on the site in 1854.
21-years of age and older to vote at elections for the Federal Parliament. The States soon gave women over 21 the vote: New South Wales in 1902, Tasmania in 1903, Queensland in 1905, and Victoria in 1908.
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HI S T O RY AT A GL ANC E
D I D YOU KNOW ?
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T
he 1920s was a very active decade for the Union following the passing of the 1918 Electricity Commissioners’ Act which was overseen by three Commissioners.
The licenses that every member holds near and dear today can be directly
traced back to 1920, when three grades of licenses were created: ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’.
In this period, a board of examiners with employee representatives was
established by the Commission to oversee the licensing. To this day, the Union still
represents its members on licensing bodies such as Future Energy Skills, the current examiner of the LEA (Licensing Electrical Assessment).
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1920S
1920s
1920S
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he 1930s were dominated by the Great
councils such as Brunswick and Collingwood,
of workers unemployed. The electrical
workers was achieved long before it became a
Depression which saw tens of thousands
industry, however, continued to grow through technology, as did the Union. Famously, then-
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HIS T O RY AT A GL AN C E
It was also at this time that the ETU’s
grass outside Trades Hall, at times handing over
State Council is a rank and file elected body
half his wage to assist them.
At this time, through ETU members’
involvement, campaigning and numbers on
y w o n S n o s r e d n He
national victory.
State Council (the supreme decision making
THE GREAT DEPRESSION il. ounc ate Cn is third t S t s r o The fi Henders left. y e w h t o n S from
a 40-hour working week for these councils’
Secretary ‘Snowy’ Henderson would meet ETU
members who had fallen on hard times on the Monk bert etary of l A f cr oo Phot as the Se l Council. l w a H o wh Trades the
1930S
1930 S T
body of the Victorian ETU) was established.
comprising representatives from across Victoria,
and is critical to the successful operations of the Union.
1930S
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1920 - 1930s
DID YOU
KNOW? The Australian Council of Trade Unions was formed in 1927 at the All-Australian Trade Union Congress in Melbourne. In 1925, motor vehicles were fully assembled in Australia by Ford at its plant in Geelong, commencing with the Model T.
The infamous ‘Bodyline’ Ashes Test matches were played in 1932-33. England won the series 4-1.
The first Australian Grand Prix was held at Phillip Island in 1928.
The Great Ocean Road officially opened on the
Phar Lap won 37 races from 51 starts, including
26th of November, 1932.
the 1930 Melbourne Cup. His death in 1932 prompted an outpouring of anger and grief.
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HI S T O RY AT A GL ANC E
In 1927, Parliament House was completed and the Federal Parliament moved from Melbourne to Canberra.
D I D YOU KNOW ?
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33
1940s T
he 40s saw electrical fitter and ETU member Hazel Farrington become the first woman to be paid equal pay for equal work.
Since then, the Union has ensured equal
pay and conditions for women in all electrical industries. The Branch’s commitment to its female
membership continues to this day, which has seen our female membership double in recent years,
the appointment of an AA (affirmative action)
position to our State Council and the creation of the newly-formed women’s committee.
In the 1940s, the Victorian ETU also took
s, 0 4 9 1 e h T e Sinc d e r u s n e s a the ETU h pay and equal en m o w r o f conditionselectrical in all . s e i r t s u d n i
N E H T o, legendary Zelda D’Apran activist who n io female Un l pay. fought for equa
the fight for a 40-hour working week to the rest of the nation.
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1940S 1940S
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1940s 36
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HI S T O RY AT A GL ANC E
Men working for the State Electricity Commission of Victoria.
1940S
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The 1950s marked the start of the Union campaign to achieve the electrical contracting industry award.
1950 S T he 1950s saw long-time Secretary ‘Snowy’ Henderson step
down after a respected 41-year career, leaving a record
membership of 11,000 members. He was replaced by Jock
Innes. It also marked the start of the Union campaign to achieve the Electrical Contracting Industry Award.
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1950S
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1940 - 1950s
DID YOU
KNOW?
On the 26th of October 1940, double-decker buses replaced the last cable trams in Melbourne.
In 1955, Victoria’s first parking meters were introduced in Melbourne.
In 1954, Australia’s first drive-in theatre, Skyline, opened in the Melbourne suburb of Burwood. The Burwood Skyline was an instant hit. Opening night created traffic jams each way on the Burwood Highway, then not much more than a country road on the edge of suburbia, as patrons flocked to watch the 1951 Danny Kaye comedy On The Riviera on the biggest of the big screens.
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In 1956, the 16th Olympic Games were held in Melbourne, the first time the games were held in the Southern Hemisphere, with 67 nations competing. Mainstream analogue television broadcasts began.
D I D YOU KNOW ?
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1960s I
n this decade, the ETU membership
with the times. With a fully-resourced
rather than in the courts. But there
organising
was determined to fight industrially
were penal clauses in Government legislation that imposed fines and
the threat of jail on Unions that took
industrial action. The ETU paid a high price for its militant transformation and by the end of the 1960s, the ETU had been fined £16,350 – the equivalent of
Branch
which
includes
and
research,
communication
departments, and the use of wellthought-out strategies and innovative
tactics, the Union achieves the finest outcomes for its members while at the same time avoiding the massive fines of the past.
more than $1 million today.
After more than 1,000 Union
disputes,
ETU
members
won
the
Electrical Contracting Industry Award
in 1960. This Award is the cornerstone of most of the EBAs in place today and is the vehicle that created some
of the best wages, conditions and living standards for electrical workers anywhere in the world.
Today the modern ETU is as
militant as ever, adapting and changing
ETU Members won the Electrical Industry Award in 1960 It is the cornerstone of most of the ebas in place today and is the vehicle that created some of the best wages, conditions and living standards anywhere in the world
.
.
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1960S
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1970 S 1970s T
he 70s began with a new Union leader and a
program of rebuilding after the financial burdens of the
penal clauses. Charlie Faure took control, introducing
tough spending restrictions and
Organiser accountabilities, and
carried the Union further to the
political left.
The ETU capitalised and
gained many benefits for its
members in construction during
these times, but for the power industry it was different. Bitter disputes between the State Electricity
Commission
and
power
industry
workers in the La Trobe Valley began. Arbitration failed. Black-out tactics were used by the State Electricity
Commission,
and
communities
suffered until ACTU leader Bob Hawke brokered a deal alongside the Metal Workers Secretary, John Halfpenny (who most Unionists would know is the father of Bronwyn Halfpenny, ALP member for Thomastown).
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1970S
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1960 - 1970s
DID YOU
KNOW? In 1970, International flights in and out of Melbourne were transferred from the smaller Essendon Airport to the newly-opened Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine, with domestic flights making the transfer a year later.
In 1960, Chadstone Shopping Centre opened Victoria’s first self-contained regional shopping centre.
On the 15th of October 1970, a portion of the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne collapsed, killing 35.
In 1966, Australian currency was changed to dollars
In 1967, Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt
and cents, replacing pounds, shillings and pence.
disappeared, presumed drowned, while swimming at Cheviot Beach near Portsea on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
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World Series Cricket was a commercial professional cricket competition staged between 1977 and 1979 which was organised by Kerry Packer and his Australian television network, Nine Network. WSC ran in commercial competition to established international cricket. D I D YOU KNOW ?
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1980s T
his decade featured the ETU
Key to the ongoing success and
when the Government’s aim
self-belief
fighting
Award
restructuring
was to amalgamate mechanical and electrical trades. The Secretary of the
time, Ron Luckman, worked tirelessly
to make sure Award restructuring
didn’t disadvantage workers on ETU existing Awards.
longevity of the ETU is our determined that
electrical
workers
should always be represented by a strong, independent, modern, craft Union. That’s why we will always fiercely reject any notion of a Super Union merger takeover of the ETU.
It was a time when the Hawke
Labor Government, who were in
bed with the Australian Council of Trade Unions, implemented industrial changes to support its economic rationalist policies. The theory was that
it would make us more internationally competitive. As part of it, ACTU Secretary Bill Kelty came up with a blueprint to restructure the Union
movement by amalgamating many smaller Unions into bigger ‘Super Unions’.
While the theory of Super
Unions and mergers suited some, it
did not (and still does not) suit us.
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Key to the ongoing success and longevity of the ETU is our determined self-belief that electrical workers should always be represented by a strong, independent, modern, craft union.
1980S
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1990S T
his was a time when members chose to revitalise the Union by voting in a new set
of officers – the Recharge Team. Enterprise Bargaining was introduced in 1993,
and the Union developed the strategy of ‘pattern bargaining’ to keep industry
standards in each individual enterprise.
The ETU used the strategy of pattern bargaining where, particularly in contracting,
all Enterprise Agreements would be the same and would come into effect at the same time. The advantage for employers was that of a level playing field and protection from
contractors undercutting the industry. An advantage for the Union and workers was that it wasn’t necessary to negotiate thousands of individual Agreements separately.
The 1990s began the amalgamation of the ETU with the Posties, Plumbers and
Telecommunications Unions to form the Communications, Plumbing Electrical Union, which is known today as the ‘CEPU’. However, during the amalgamation ETU members demanded autonomy and an independent ETU identity as a Union.
The 90s were also a time when the campaign for shorter hours of work was stepped
up and the 36-hour week was won in many areas of the contracting industry.
The 90s were also a time when the campaign for shorter hours of work was stepped up and the 36-hour week was won in many areas of the contracting industry. 50
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HIS T O RY AT A GL AN C E
1990S
|
51
1980 - 1990s
DID YOU
KNOW?
In 1981, the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop, with its three underground stations, opened _ the start of a four-year staged opening.
In 1981, Australia’s first “test tube baby” (Candice Reed) was
In July 1980, Women were finally allowed to join
born in Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital.
surf clubs as full members.
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In 1986, Rialto Towers in Collins Street was completed and became Melbourne’s tallest building.
In 1994, Victoria’s first casino, Crown, opened in Melbourne at a temporary location at the World Trade Centre, relocating to a new, purpose-built entertainment complex at Southbank in 1997.
D I D YOU KNOW ?
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53
2000-22 Royal commissions,
A
ABCC and ROC
s the Union moved into the new millennium, it needed smart thinking to build a strong and wealthy organisation, and by now it was creating innovative Enterprise Agreements that protected workers’ rights, wages and conditions from the anti-
Union WorkChoices legislation.
In 2002 and 2014, the ETU was brought before ‘Union corruption’ Royal Commissions
but no corruption was ever found nor any charges laid as the ETU came out of the courtroom clean and proud to be Union.
36 hour week
A
is won!
lso in 2002, the Union’s success in the campaign for shorter working hours was
extended to more of the contracting industry at a time when, in most other workplaces, working hours were increasing. The 36-hour week won for those
workers proved shorter hours would not break the back of businesses and industries. As ACTU President, Sharon Burrows said:
The ETU’s commitment to work-life balance and indeed to work and family has been remarkable… Workers became shackled by WorkChoices, the Building Industry Codes of
Practice, the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and the Registered Organisations Commission (ROC). Regulations came with the threat of fines and the fear of jail terms on individual workers and the Unions that represent them. Yet, in spite of it all, electrical trades Enterprise Agreements have been the envy of most.
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2000-2022
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United as National Front relationship between the Union’s
A
Gray led a rule change that paved the way
State Branches across Australia began to
way they invest for members’ benefits. Wise
leadership of Troy Gray, the Victorian Branch
Branch to grow fiscally stronger, increasing
fter a number of turbulent years, the
National body and the network of
fracture under the strain. Under the new led the way in healing those fractures.
At the 2014 Victorian Shop Stewards
As part of that healing process, Troy
for all Branches to have autonomy in the
investments have enabled the Victorian the benefits to members.
As the ETU stands today, the fight
conference, for the first time ever in the
for working people goes on alongside the
of the ETU’s National and all State Branches
communities in which our Union members
history of this great Union, the leadership
came together. It showed a united front and demonstrated the new leadership being
protection of the trade and support for the live and work.
forged.
ETU 50819
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The 2014 Victorian Shop Stewards conference also endorsed the State of Crisis campaign which ultimately led to the historical achievement of licensing of all Victorian line workers. 2000-2022
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2000 - 2020s
DID YOU
KNOW? In 2013, Analogue television broadcasts ceased in Melbourne, completing the nation-wide transition to digital television.
In 2000, CityLink, Australia’s first fully electronically tolled roadway, opened, linking three existing freeways around Melbourne’s CBD.
In 2020, Australia 108 - a 100
storey residential skyscraper in
Southbank - was completed and
became Melbourne’s tallest building at 317 metres and Australia’s tallest
building by roof height. The Covid-19 world-wide pandemic resulted
in Melbourne enduring several
months of hard lock-down, including the closure of shops, schools and
workplaces, combined with a nightly curfew and strict travel restrictions.
In 2009, Victoria’s worst disaster, the Black Saturday bushfires, killed 173 people and destroyed a large number of buildings in the tourist towns of Kinglake and Marysville.
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Due to the pandemic, the AFL Grand Final football match was hosted in
Brisbane - the first time it had ever been held outside Melbourne.
D I D YOU KNOW ?
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59
Apprentic licensing & Training
Apprentices F or the entire existence of the Victorian Branch of the ETU, we have campaigned
tirelessly to introduce the apprenticeship system and license as a minimum to
perform electrical work in this State, as they are critically important for our industry
and for our members.
The apprenticeship system ensures that any individual that wants to perform work
in the electrical industry is trained up to a minimum standard. The license is a protector of
... there was a time where you weren’t required to do an apprenticeship to perform electrical work, nor did you require a license.
the industry – a gatekeeper if you like – and ensures that no butcher, baker, or candlestick maker can just come off the street and do our work in an unsafe and unqualified manner!
The current average age of a Victorian ETU member is around 34 years old, and
many members wouldn’t realise that there was a time where you weren’t required to do an apprenticeship to perform electrical work, nor did you require a license.
The ETU campaigned over many years to achieve an apprenticeship system, first
in the electrical industry, then in the power industry. This was eventually followed by a license for all A-Grade Electricians, and in recent times Line Workers as well.
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Powering Industry becomes Licensed & CPD
... the ETU shouted loudly about profits being put before safety, and focused the need for licensing of the trade being necessary to protect the quality of work with a killer technology.
W
hen ETU member Arthur McKoy was killed by electrocution while up a pole in
Carlton, the ETU shouted loudly about
profits being put before safety, and focused the need for the licensing of the trade being necessary to
protect the quality of work with a killer technology. We also campaigned aggressively on the
crisis in the power industry before, during and after the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009. After
the bushfire Royal Commission, the ETU played an
integral part in the Government’s response to lifting the standards of maintenance. We championed the tightening of electrical licensing requirements,
including the licensing of Line Workers and lifting the standards of maintenance required.
The ETU worked with the Victorian State
Government to strengthen regulatory requirements and the introduction of an ‘A’ Grade License CPD
(Continuing Professional Development) program to maintain the standards required by law.
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P O WE RIN G I ND US T RY BEC OMES LI C ENS ED & C PD
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Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships F rom the very beginning of the ETU’s existence, the
Union campaigned for electrical trades to be proclaimed
Victorian Apprenticeship Act and leading to the formation of an Apprenticeship Committee for the electrical group. The
Committee consisted of three employer members and three Union members and it meant that proper trade training rather
than ad-hoc learning could be developed and put into place for electrical trades.
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Training
apprenticeship trades, succeeding in 1927 with the
Training T
he ETU has worked tirelessly to shape the content
of industry training and to ensure that members
have the skills they will need into the future. It is
why, in 2016, this proud craft Union set up the second
floor of the Union building as an award-winning TAFE trade training campus named Futuretech.
Beyond trade training, the ETU has always
promoted and supported the wellbeing of its members and their families. In 2019, we set up the top floor of
our Union building as an employment and wellbeing centre named the Centre for U. The newly-opened
Centre for U is a state-of-the-art $8 million facility providing assistance for members, including re-skilling courses, financial advice, health checks, legal advice and help with personal issues.
APPRENT I C ES / T RAI NI NG
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65
T
SAFET
SAFETY a
to the highest level to perform their
one area that the Union will not
The 1980s saw the Union and its
he
ETU
has
never
taken
backwards step, and safety is
roles.
compromise on. Ours is a great trade,
members aggressively fight to eliminate
dangerous one. Nothing matters to us
Electrical Line Workers discovered that
but it can be an extremely hazardous and more than your right to come home safe
and well at the end of a hard working
day. The Union also protects the trade by defending the licensing regime at all cost, strengthening industry standards, and ensuring that members are trained
asbestos exposure from the workplace.
poles were being soaked in creosote which is carcinogenic, so refused to
install them until an alternative was found.
The ETU has never taken
a backwards step, and safety
is one area that the Union will not compromise on.
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T R A I N I NG / L I C E NS I N G & AP PR EN TI CES
s, e d a c e d e e r h t d e t s v l a l o v e Over tThU has been insafet y the E e following : in th campaigns
y Act; nd Safet a h t l a e onal H Occupati 5 8 19 e h ve t to achie Campaign on; egislati l r e t h g au ce mansl Workpla ces; workpla nsite; l o l s a p r e o R OHS ties) f le ameni a m e f g n os; di f asbest s (inclu o e i t t es; i c n a e t n m A ding sit d co l n i a u b e s n u o dards ate the ing stan o elimin r i t w n g y i r a a p Cam tempor ectrical l e p u n to clea Campaign e; s; work liv o t t o ux level n l n d g n i a a p g Cam lightin ergency m e e c r to enfo eights; Campaign g from h n i es; l l a f the applianc t l n a e c v i e r r t to p or elec Campaign f inferi o n o i t a import licy; ban the cohol po l o a t d n n g a i a drug Camp industry e v i t c e f f for an e Act; Campaign nsation e p m o C rkers stry; r the Wo o f n g ion indu i t a c ork; u r t Camp s con art of w t e s h t e h n i t e deaths befor against and JSAs n g s i g a n p i m t a e C box me dustry; ns, tool o i t c u rical in d t n c i e l r e o f e s in th Campaign standard s l l i k s mum laces; for mini r workp o f y c i l Campaign o ustry; atigue p ical ind r ective f t f c f e e l e n a for hin the Campaign ling wit d n a h l a manu es; reducing rocedur p r o g f n i n t g s i e Campa g and t ets); issionin m m Data She o c y t t e c i f r a t S s for aterial Campaign MSDSs (M f o iances. n o i duct cal appl i o r r t t c n i e l e e for th or all agging f Campaign t d n a g testin troduce n i o t n Campaig S AF ET Y
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Campaigns,
Campaigns & Politics Disputes
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E T U VI C T O R I A T H E N & N O W
If there was one phrase that sums up the Victorian Branch of the ETU it would be this… We are a campaigning Union! And it hasn’t changed for 120 years!
C ELEBRAT I NG 1 2 0 YEARS
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Campaigns W
hether it’s campaigning alongside other Unions
to
achieve
a
better
health
or
education system, or as part of a broader
Union-movement campaign to achieve superannuation or
just a better life, the ETU has been front and centre for decades.
Even in the community, we have stood shoulder-
to-shoulder to support everything from green bans to
the end of the Vietnam War. In the workplace, working
conditions and wage levels that electrical workers in Victoria enjoy today have only resulted after hard-fought
campaigns. Specifically in the electrical industry, we are
recognised around the world as having some of the best work practices, safety procedures, and living standards – every single one is the result of a Union campaign, bar none.
The achievement of the apprenticeship
system and associated licenses within the electrical
and power industries only came after long campaigns by the ETU Victorian Branch. There are literally too many individual wins and gains to
list here that have come from the ETU’s relentless campaigning.
In short, everything that we enjoy as
electrical
workers,
from
strong
wages
and
conditions to decent family time, to living in robust communities, strong health and education systems, effective
transport
systems,
extensive
social
infrastructure and much, much more were achieved by campaigning Unions like the mighty ETU.
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CA MPAI GN S , D I S P UT E S & P OLI TI CS
C AMPAI G NS
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Disputes Disputes
F
rom time to time, what we believe in – our living standards, working conditions and even our members’ very own jobs – come
under direct attack. Usually,
these
attacks
are
made
by
large multinational companies or conservative
governments, and again this is when you’ll see the Victorian Branch of the ETU at its very best.
Over the decades, the ETU has had some
of the biggest industrial disputes in Victoria’s history, including within industries such as power, contracting, lift, labour hire, manufacturing, food, airports and more! Individual companies such as
CUB, Crown, Heinemann, Smorgon, and CitiPower
(just to name a few) have all come up against the Victorian ETU.
How the Union defends and fights these
disputes has evolved over the years as the Union itself has evolved. We are a strong Union that is fully
resourced with both communications and research departments, together with political influence,
strong alliances with other Unions, very close ties internationally, a social media footprint that is the envy of many, and disciplined media strategies. The
Victorian Branch of the ETU is not a Union to be taken lightly.
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CA MPAI GN S , D I S P UT E S & P OLI TI CS
D I S PUT ES
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Disputes The Victorian Branch of the ETU is not a Union to be taken lightly. 74
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CA M PAI GN S , D I S P UT E S & P OLI TI CS
D I S PUT ES
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Disputes 76
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CA M PAI GNS , D I S P UT E S & P OLI TI CS
POLITICS L ike most countries, in Australia politics and politicians are viewed in a negative
way, with some justification. The reality in its simplest form, however, is that
politics are the roads you drive on, the schools your kids go to, the hospitals
you turn to when you’re in need, and all the services and infrastructure that have the greatest impact on our members’ general living standards.
For those reasons, a progressive modern Union like the ETU must always have
a political arm to it. A political arm that has a direction, has political connections, and knows how to strategically fight politically on behalf of its members’ interests.
POLI T I C S
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ETU INETUTHE in The Community Community Through our entire 120-year history, the ETU has continually maintained a policy of community involvement and support. SEC Picnic Day, Benalla. 25th of March 1950
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E T U VI C T O R I A T H E N & N O W
C ELEBRAT I NG 1 2 0 YEARS
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community ETU IN THE families living across the whole of
W
scheme to give invaluable assistance to grass-
an active role within our community. The Union
community groups can apply for one of these
and work for a range of community-based
such as junior sports, fundraisers, and support
ith so many members and their Victoria, the ETU has always played
and its members tirelessly volunteer their time organisations and charities. Volunteering
and
supporting
the
The ETU runs a community grant
root community organisations. Members and grants to support their community activities for migrant programs.
Also, thanks to the collective strength
community has always been an integral part of
and buying power of a membership of almost
For over a century through State
and services that can enhance the lives of ETU
ETU culture.
emergencies, droughts, floods and devastating bushfires, ETU members have been there to
help with relief work and the rebuilding of our communities.
Whether it is the Royal Children’s
Volunteering and supporting the community has always been an integral part of ETU culture.
20,000, members can access a range of benefits families living in the community.
Through our entire 120-year history,
the ETU has continually maintained a policy of community involvement and support.
Hospital appeal or thousands of junior sporting clubs, this Union is here to assist. Joining the ETU doesn’t mean just joining a Union that can deliver industrial strength in the workplace, it also means joining a community of like-minded individuals who are there for each other and their families.
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E T U VI C T O R I A T H E N & N O W
ET U I N T H E C OMMUNI T Y
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81
ETU IN THE
community
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E T U VI C T O R I A T H E N & N O W
ET U I N T H E C OMMUNI T Y
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ETU IN THE community
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ET U VI C T O R I A T H E N & N O W
ET U I N T H E C OMMUNI T Y
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BRANDING AND COMMUNICATIONS BRANDING
Y
our brand is everything – it says who you are. Whether it’s in the corporate world, the AFL, a small business or charity organisation, your
brand is a symbol of what you stand for and your history. The ETU brand is highly recognisable and
respected by all! Even in photos of Melbourne’s first Union marches in the early 1900s, you can proudly see ETU members carrying a banner or wearing their ETU Eight-Hour Day ribbons.
But just like fashion, over the last 120
years the ETU brand has evolved along with
the Union. You will see the ETU brand being displayed loud and proud on our stickers,
merchandise, apparel (such as polos, t-shirts,
hoodies, hats, etc), our magazine and other publications,
and
digital
platforms such as our webpage and app.
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B R A ND I NG AN D C O M M UNI C ATI ON S
N I E N O IN
ALL
BRAND I NG
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BRANDING AND COMMUNICATIONS communications-
staying in touch with members!
C
ommunicating with our members is an integral part of the ETU!
And now we’ve got the widest variety of techniques in history available
to communicate with our members, including a reputable membership
management system, regular EDMs (Electronic Direct Mail), annual magazines, social
media posts on Facebook and Instagram, text messages, the co-ordination and hosting
of EBA renewal contracting meetings, regular Shop Steward meetings for all industries, bi-annual Delegates conferences and the ETU National Conferences.
The channels of communication are always open. ETU staff members and
Organisers are always accessible via phone or email. And, of course, if you want to connect with the ETU in person, there is the Union Office.
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C OMMUNI C AT I ONS
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Thank
Thank You ETU Family I
you
have the privilege of being the current State
Without your dedication, hard work and
Secretary of the Victorian Branch of the
decision making, this Union wouldn’t be here
shows and recognises the proud 120-year
wouldn’t be enjoying the benefits that come
Electrical Trades Union and this magazine
history of our organisation.
In closing, I would like to thank all current
and past members for their ongoing support.
In particular, I would like to thank all
present and past Shop Stewards, Officials,
members of the Executive, State Council and staff of the Union.
today and 20,000 members and their families
with that – so on behalf of this proud Union and
the current leadership of the ETU, I sincerely thank you all.
And always remember, a Union that
ignores its history has no past and it will have no future.
State Secretary, Troy Gray
his t f o f l a h e ...On B the d n a n o i n proud u adership of current leI sincerely the ETU, ou all. thank y Arron Harris
Assistant Secretary
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Ivan Balta
Assistant Secretary
T HANK Y O U E T U FAMI LY
Danny Filazzola President
Troy Gray
State Secretary