Transgrid workers receive 17.5% pay rise after nearly 2 years of bargaining

In a bargaining process that featured the team-up of five different unions, Transgrid employees have finally received their pay rise.

In a decision made by the Fair Work Commission to conclude a nearly two-year bargaining process, Transgrid employees are set to receive a 17.5 per cent pay increase over three years – with a 6.5 per cent increase occurring from 1 March 2024 (including back pay to this date).

The process featured bargaining from joint unions of the CPSU NSW, the Electrical Trades Union, the Mining and Energy Union, the Australian Services Union, and Professionals Australia.

These joint unions requested that the commission approve a 21.5 per cent boost over three years, inclusive of two superannuation rises of 0.5 per cent. However, Transgrid sought just a 14 per cent increase, including two 0.5 per cent bumps to superannuation.

The commission settled on 17.5 per cent over three years, including two 0.5 per cent superannuation increases, with back pay, of course, being secured for workers.

This make-up of joint unions, however, was unsuccessful in lobbying for double overtime payments for Saturday shifts as the commission cemented that the same provisions reached in the previous 2020 agreement are to remain.

Speaking on the result, an ETU spokesperson noted that the fight for overtime improvements will carry over to the next round of negotiations.

“The ETU is proud of its members, who stood up and fought for a fair pay increase. There are a number of matters, including improvements to overtime, which we will seek to address with Transgrid in the next round of bargaining,” the spokesperson said.

Law firm Maurice Blackburn stood by the joint unions during their disputes and celebrated what they deemed an “inspiring win”.

“These workers keep the lights on in homes and businesses throughout NSW,” said Mia Pantechis, principal at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.

“In a time of rising cost-of-living pressures, they didn’t settle for inadequate offers. They’ve shown the real power employees have when they stand together with their unions and fight for fair wages and conditions.”

“This dispute went as far as it can, facing down a tough employer with an entrenched position in bargaining. The result is inspiring. We’re always proud to stand with unions as they fight for their members.”

In a statement given to HR Leader, a Transgrid spokesperson confirmed that the company was “pleased” to finally reach a resolution.

“Transgrid is pleased to have certainty for our people in relation to the outcome,” said the spokesperson.

“We recognise this has been a long process and are committed to working with the other parties to implement the workplace determination as quickly as possible.”

This process, which began in July 2023, featured numerous events of industrial action, including more than 1,000 workers from Transgrid walking off the job on 8 February for 24 hours.