ETU NSW & ACT Branch, Electrical Trades Union

10/10/2026

Earlier this year, NSW recorded the most electrical apprentice commencements of any quarter on record, with over 1,900 apprentice sparkies picking up the tools in NSW between January and March 2026.

Powerline trades in the electricity supply industry also recorded the most apprentice commencements for a single quarter since 2012, boosted by a record uptake of transmission lineworker apprenticeships.

These impressive figures represent more new electricians coming through, building careers, strengthening our industry and helping deliver the energy infrastructure NSW needs for the future.

While this is a positive sign, we still need many many more electricians to meet the demands of our growing industry and the country’s infrastructure needs. We need to see this trend continue beyond the first quarter and show sustained growth in our trade.

Governments need to continue investing in our training systems and ensure that businesses are doing their part to lift up apprentices. It is all part of growing in our trade and strengthening our future.

There has never been a better time to apply for an apprenticeship.

08/10/2026

VOTE NO to D4C’s offer

D4C has put this agreement out without union consultation, and it is not good enough.

The proposed deal would lock members into a four year agreement with barely any improvements to conditions AND remove the union picnic day!

Vote NO to this subpar deal!

You do essential work. You deserve an agreement that actually improves your wages and conditions, not one that locks you into the same deal for four years.

Send D4C a clear message. VOTE NO.

04/10/2026

NRL Grand Finals are tonight!

Have you been keeping up with the ETU’s Footy Tipping Comp?

Time to lock in your last tip! Will it be the Knights or the Roosters?

And will you be the lucky winner of the ETU’s footy tipping comp?

🥇First prize gets $1000

🥈Second prize gets $750

🥉 Third is $500

Good luck!

02/10/2026

Siemens members secure a strong new in-principle agreement!

After months of negotiations, ETU members at Siemens have secured an in-principle agreement that lifts standards and delivers improvements across a range of important conditions.

The new agreement includes:

A massive 50% increase to redundancy payments over the life of the agreement

5% annual wage increases

Chifley income protection

Stronger Living Away From Home Allowance (LAHA) and distant travel provisions

Protections around GPS tracking and worker privacy

Additional time in lieu for workers who are on call for more than five weeks per quarter

Congratulations to all Siemens members on securing this outcome!

30/09/2026

Congratulations to ETU legal gun Emily Strachan on her 2026 Women in Law nomination.

The ETU’s very own senior legal officer, Emily, has been nominated as a finalist in the Best Not-for-Profit, Pro Bono or Community Legal Centre Lawyer of the Year category by the Women in Law Awards.

This national award recognises outstanding women in law and their achievements. It is a highly competitive and coveted award.

Many members will know Emily from her incredible work during major enterprise bargaining campaigns at Ausgrid, Essential , Endeavour, Transgrid, and most recently the electrical contracting sector. She is renowned for her excellent technical skills, strategic drive and commitment to fighting for our members.
Everyone she has worked with will tell you she is an incredible lawyer and highly deserving of this recognition.

Congratulations Emily and good luck!

27/09/2026

Need an excuse to sink a few cold ones with your ETU mates?

Bar mats are now in stock at the ETU shop. Protect your bar tops and be ETU proud next time you have your union mates round.

A thick, absorbent cloth design with plastic backing to keep your bar tops clean and dry while you celebrate!

25/09/2026

Watch the TV interview the ABC did with ETU apprentice Heather.

Heather reported her boss for sexual harassment more than 14 months ago and has been waiting ever since for the Australian Human Rights Commission to investigate.

Unfortunately, Heather's experience isn't unique. The ETU NSW/ACT is currently supporting other apprentices through this process. In some cases, complainants have waited more than 12 months just for a conciliation conference to be scheduled.

This isn't good enough.

After years of discussion about workplace sexual harassment and the introduction of Respect@Work reforms, workers should be able to expect a system that is ready to respond in a timely manner when they come forward. Instead, many are left in limbo while waiting for action.

These delays can have a serious impact on workers' wellbeing, forcing people to relive traumatic experiences long after they occurred. In industries like construction, delays can also mean companies disappear before matters are resolved.

The ETU has raised these concerns and will continue to, because every worker deserves a safe workplace and timely access to justice.

24/09/2026

The ABC spoke to young ETU member Heather and ETU State Secretary Allen Hicks about what happens when workers are left waiting for more than a year for their complaints to be dealt with.

With the support of the ETU, Heather lodged a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission after she says she was sexually harassed by her boss. It took 14 months for her complaint to be formally accepted for investigation, and she has only recently been assigned a case manager.

The ETU says Heather is one of six members currently waiting more than a year for their AHRC cases to be picked up.

Heather’s story highlights why the Australian Human Rights Commission needs the resources to properly deal with complaints and protect workers.

Watch the interview below.

21/09/2026

Today for Electrical Safety Week, some participants of Ausgrid's Bright Spark Apprentice program visited Parliament House to speak to MPs about their experiences and discuss electrical safety awareness.

Supporting electrical apprenticeships is key to building the skills and workforce we need for the renewable energy transition, the construction sector, manufacturing, transport, and more.

Thank you to the ETU NSW & ACT Branch, Electrical Trades Union for also speaking to us about the work they do in supporting apprentices and promoting safer workplaces.

18/09/2026

Rest in Power, Jo

Vale Jo Sutton
1983 -2026

Yesterday we received news of the shocking and unexcepted death of our own Jo Sutton.

Jo was working as the communications and campaigns manager for the ETU National Office, based in the CEPU SA office.

Jo was an unstoppable force for the Union movement, and a tireless, passionate fighter for worker's rights and women’s equality. Her energy was infectious and her drive was unmatched.

Jo lived and breathed union.

This is a huge blow for the union movement and we are still reeling from this sudden news. She is gone far too soon, and had so much more to give.

We remember her as she was, a fierce, strong and outspoken unionist who touched all she came into contact with.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends and all comrades who were lucky enough to know this amazing woman.

Due to this horrible development, we hope members are understanding that the CEPU's standard operations might be delayed as we cope with this loss. Our office may be unattended, and phones and emails unmonitored today. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Rest in Power, Jo. Your Pa would be so proud.

Pictured: Jo leading the chants at International Working Women's Day in March this year.