Electrical Trades Union workers plan strike action at Ausgrid on August 1

Millions of residents in one state will be affected when electrical workers strike next week after a breakdown in wage negotiations.

Four million people across Sydney and parts of regional NSW could experience maintenance delays as Ausgrid electrical contractors plan to walk off the job.

About 1000 Electrical Trades Union (ETU) Ausgrid workers are planning strike action for August 1 after a breakdown in negotiations over wages.

Ausgrid workers are calling for better wages. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Members voted to support work stoppages, overtime bans, switching bans and locking bans as part of the planned action at the third largest power company in NSW.

Any emergency work will not be affected by the action.

The poles and wires company services about two million customers across most of Sydney’s east, north and inner city as well as the Central Coast and Hunter Valley.

ETU NSW/ACT secretary Allen Hicks said the strike action was expected to disrupt more than four million people.

“The millions of Australians who rely on the east coast’s largest electricity distributor should be alarmed to learn how Ausgrid is treating its staff who keep their power running and their lights on day in and day out,” Mr Hicks said.

ETU NSW secretary Allen Hicks says workers will go on strike on August 1. Picture: Supplied

The action comes after Ausgrid rejected ETU’s proposed pay rise for workers of 8 per cent for the next three years plus super.

Ausgrid confirmed it countered with a 7 per cent pay rise for the first year followed 2.7 per cent for the second and third year respectively, unless CPI is higher.

The company also offered a 0.5 per cent super increase for each year.

“Ausgrid’s insulting pay offer has left workers with no choice but to launch industrial action, including work stoppages,” Mr Hicks said.

“Ausgrid could instantly prevent any maintenance delays or inconveniences to the community with a serious offer that helps workers keep up with the spiralling cost of living.”

Millions could be affected by the strike action. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Ausgrid’s Group Executive of People and Culture, Celina Cross, said the company was disappointed the ETU rejected its wage offer, which it felt was fair and reasonable.

“We respect the rights of the ETU, however, we are disappointed this action has been taken,” Ms Cross said.

“Our offer is fair and reasonable for our people and affordable for communities we serve.

“It recognises cost of living pressures and rewards our people for their hard work.

‘In addition, it ensures Ausgrid remains a great place to work where safety is our priority.”

Ausgrid stated it will hold weekly discussions in good faith with all parties to reach an agreement.

However, Mr Hicks said the cost-of-living crisis was impacting its members significantly.

“Ausgrid workers’ real wages have gone backwards, with the cost-of-living crisis eroding the value of their last pay rise,” he said.

“Their experience is not recognised or rewarded despite their critical role providing a safe and reliable electricity network for millions of NSW homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

“ETU members haven’t yet received an offer that will allow them to keep up with cost-of-living increases.

“They have no choice but to continue to exercise their legal right to withdraw their labour until they get an offer that doesn’t send their wages backwards.”

The NSW government has a 49.6 per cent ownership stake of Ausgrid.

Originally published as Electrical Trades Union workers plan strike action at Ausgrid on August 1