Wage Increase From March 1

Members in the Electrical & Communications Contracting Industry and employed under the union EBA will receive a wage increase from March 1.

The new rate for an "E" Class ("A" Grade Electrician) working in construction is $1,021.55 per week or $28.3764 per hour plus allowances.

From July 1 the "E" Class ("A" Grade Electrician) allowance moves to $40.00 per week and fares and travel of $21.74 per day.

Copies of the EBA are available from your organiser, local ETU office or it can be downloaded in pdf from www.etu.asn.au.

Meanwhile, it's full steam ahead on the 2008 EBA with employers signing on to the new EBA and Deed that secures entitlements into 2008.

2. New ETU Shop Stewards Training Course

A new ETU Shop Stewards training course has been developed in Victoria and the first group of stewards commenced the course in February.

The course takes four days and is broken into two parts of two days each.

The stewards in the February course will complete their Level 1 training later in March.

There are currently three levels of ETU Steward training. The courses are classroom- and field-based. For more information about the steward's course or other training you should check the ETU web site by clicking here http://www.etu.asn.au/members/trainingcal.html

Stewards who are interested in undertaking a training course should speak to their organiser or contact Tanya at EEIT on 03 8341 5555 to make a booking.

3. Shut the Gap on the Map-Same pay as Mainlanders!

On Monday 7 February 2005 the ETU had their first negotiation with Aurora Energy ( Tasmania ) over the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA).

"There have only been three meetings with Aurora management but we are pleased with progress so far", said Assistant Secretary Kevin Harkins. "Management are well aware of our claim for pay parity and a comprehensive contractors' clause and we look forward to getting to the pointy end of negotiations very soon."

The current Aurora Energy EBA is due to expire on 1 May 2005 with the union intending to have the new agreement in place by then.

"We flagged our claim for mainland pay parity almost 12 months ago and the membership is completely committed to it", Kevin concluded.

Negotiation meetings are continuing weekly and we have arranged for a Shop Stewards' meeting towards the end of March which will provide the opportunity for members to stay informed on progress.

In the photo above is Aurora Energy lineworker and ETU member Gary Witt who says he looks forward to the fight for mainland pay parity.

4. Autumn Special on ETU Rugby Tops!

AUTUMN SPECIAL! For a limited time only you can purchase an ETU Rugby top for a special price of $72 !

These long sleeve tops are made from a quality weave which will withstand every day wear and tear through the colder months on the work site.

Also available from the ETU Shop is a great range of clothing and merchandise at fantastic prices.

http://www.etu.asn.au/members/shop.html

Orders can be placed via phone, email, fax, mail or in person at the ETU office.

5. Win a $25.00 "Where To EnjoyT" Gift Card!

"Where To EnjoyT", the ETU member service provider, is proving a big hit with ETU members. A recent call from Mrs M.G of Burwood Victoria is typical of member feedback.

"My husband has been with the ETU for years - and this is another great initiative from our union. There are so many things where members are able to save money from all the things that they do, including my grocery shopping!"

Did you know that you can save 5% off your grocery bill every time you shop at Coles?

How?- As a financial member, you are able to order Coles Gift Cards. Simply click on Gift Card Picture on Member Benefits Home page or follow the links to Retail Gift Card & Voucher.

It couldn't be easier - Mail or fax your order on the "print out order form" and send to Where To Enjoy, e.g. if you order $200.00, you only need to pay $190.00 and we send you a $200.00 Coles Gift card.  You can use the Gift card at any Coles store as many times as you like until the value of the card has been spent. Similarly if you order a $500.00 card you only pay $475.00 - you save $25.00.

Depending on your grocery spend, this can easily save you over $500.00 in a year.

Updates are another feature of your member benefits. By visiting the ETU member benefits web site regularly you will find additional establishments that have been added to the program since your Member Benefits Handbook was printed.

These include;

Auto - ABS Auto Brake Service, National Windscreens, Melways.

Dining - Quills Restaurant, The Game Keepers Secret, Chez Zena, Natraz Indian Restaurant

Accommodation - Best Western Australia , Golden Chain Motel - Hotels, BreakFree Erskine on the Beach, Lorne,etc.

Leisure - Sovereign Hill, Pride of the Murray Paddlesteamers, Wyanga Park Winery Cruises

Magazines - iSubscribe

Optometrists - Merringtons Optometrists

Winery - Gisbourne Peak Winery

Theme Park Tickets

We have also increased the discount from this month to 15% off theme Park tickets for your favourite parks including Sea World, "Wet-n-Wild", Movie World and Dreamworld with no P&H payable.

A number of "new" National establishments have also been included.

Win a $25.00 Gift Card (each month)

Each & every month any financial member of ETU who has contacted Where To Enjoy via email or has purchased Theme Park tickets or retail/gift vouchers is placed into the draw for a $25.00 Coles Gift Card.

Recent Winners include: Mr R.G of Victoria , Mr J.H of Victoria, Mr D.N of Victoria , Mr K.D of Victoria .

There is always something new and exciting being added to your Member Benefits, keep up with all the latest by visiting ETU Online member benefits regularly. Should you have any questions at all regarding your Member Benefits either visit the website or call the friendly customer service team at Where To Enjoy on 1300 131 369. 

6. Next edition eTU Online

Thanks for reading this issue of eTU online. You'll receive your next issue in April 5, 2005.