Update on ETU Multi-Employer Bargaining Application

The Fair Work Commission held a hearing on Thursday 12^th March to consider how the competing applications for a multi-enterprise agreement will proceed. 

The outcome of this process has serious implications for our industry and we will update members when a decision is advised.   

The ETU application is seeking broad coverage across NSW and the ACT. This would be unprecedented and could see employers and employees from across the state brought into one multi-enterprise agreement, giving the union huge power and driving up costs for all major projects. 

In parallel, a group of major electrical contractors has advanced an application initially confined to projects over 125 million dollars within the County of Cumberland (the Sydney metropolitan area). 

Recent conciliation between the parties was unsuccessful and these matters will now be determined by the FWC. 

NECA has appeared before the Fair Work Commission alongside Tier 1 electrical contractors in relation to these matters. Our position has been consistent in that we consider that both forms of expanded multi enterprise coverage present significant structural risks for the industry. They have the potential to reduce commercial flexibility, increase uniform cost pressures across diverse markets, constrain subcontracting models and materially affect head contractor industrial strategies.

Thursday’s hearing was regarding a Stay Application asking the Commission to pause the ETU application until the employer application is decided. 

The ETU wants the applications to be joined. 

No decision has been made by the Commission at this stage. The current proceedings are only about how the applications will be handled, not whether a multi-employer agreement will proceed.

NECA will continue to keep members updated as the matter progresses. Click on the button below for further information.

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