ETU - The Electrical Trades Union

22/10/2026

Need help building your super? CBUS Super have Coordinators on the ground to talk about super one-on-one or in a group.

Give them a call on 1300 361 784 to chat about a visit to your workplace.

You can also walk-in and chat to their front counter teams about your super, no appointment needed.

Visit cbussuper.com.au/contact to find your closest front counter team.

Read the relevant PDS and TMD to decide what’s right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au

14/10/2026

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.

14/10/2026

01/10/2026

18/09/2026

Vale Jo Sutton
1983 -2026

We say goodbye to our dear friend and comrade Jo Sutton, Strategic Campaigns and Communications Coordinator for the ETU National Office, based at our CEPU SA office.

Words cannot describe the pain that we are all feeling. Jo has left an extraordinary mark on the union movement and will be deeply missed.

Her sudden passing has left us all shocked. She left us way too soon.

Jo was a staunch unionist, a tough campaigner, and a beautiful soul. Her warmth and positive energy was infectious, and her generous nature made everyone feel welcome. She would always make time for a chat, a laugh or to give support.

She was an incredible force in our movement for many years and taught so many people what it meant to be union, what solidarity means.

Jo joined the ETU team in 2024, after working on the Yes Campaign and at the United Workers Union. She had a steadfast commitment to social justice in everything she did, and the impact of her passion and conviction was felt by everyone around her.

We extended our deepest condolences to Jo’s friends and family, and everyone who loved her.

Jo’s legacy will live on with every campaign she strengthened and every worker she stood beside.

Rest in power comrade.

16/09/2026

Members at Valmet took action and got the result.

After negotiations stalled, ETU and AMWU members at Valmet voted to take protected industrial action. Just two days of partial work bans at a site with 100% ETU membership was enough to bring the company back to the table with a significantly improved offer, which members have now endorsed in principle.

The company initially threatened to dock workers’ pay but quickly backed down when faced with the collective strength of a united workforce.

The in-principle agreement includes:�
• Significant wage increases �
• The removal of the pay averaging system that unfairly disadvantaged newer employees

Only four members were directly affected by the pay averaging system, but the rest of the workforce refused to leave them behind and fought to make sure everyone received a fair deal.

Protected industrial action isn't common in the general trades, but this result is proof that when members stand together, they win.

Congratulations to all Valmet members on a hard-fought outcome.