Unions want jobs commitment from Ausgrid

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and United Services Union have ‘demanded’ new owners of a controlling stake in Ausgrid commit to an agreement ensuring existing employment numbers and service standards are retained in the privatised business.

The call comes after the announcement by the New South Wales Government that AustralianSuper and IFM investors would purchase 50.4 per cent ownership of Ausgrid for $16 billion.

Ausgrid powers 1.7 million homes throughout New South Wales.

The ETU and United Services Union, representing the majority of Ausgrid employees said they would lobby New South Wales parliament to protect the jobs and employment standards of workers.

ESU secretary Graeme Kelly said the unions would be writing to AustralianSuper and IFM Investors seeking an urgent meeting to discuss staff numbers and standards.

“Electricity is a natural monopoly, and that means if service standards drop, if maintenance is reduced or emergency response times blowout, consumers have no ability to choose an alterative supplier for their power.”

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