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I was under pressure from the company to work harder and ended up injuring myself. Two months into my injury I called upon the union, because things got complicated. The union helped me get free legal advice and representation at a hearing. It's important for me to know where I stand in all of this and the union's been there with me all the way.

Nick, ETU member

I wish I was rich, but I'm not. I have to work because I have to work, I have to fight. Because if I don't fight, I will be stepped on. That's the way it is for working people. Never been any different. We have to fight for everything we get. That's why we're in unions. People who aren't in unions, it's like they don't know the facts of life. Because no-one ever gives us anything without a fight. And that's a fact. Mario, ETU member

Mario, ETU member

Your Story

I was under pressure from the company to work harder and ended up injuring myself.

I wish I was rich, but I'm not. I have to work because I have to work, I have to fight.

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ETU DVD: Hold The Line

Hold the Line is a documentary produced by Joan Robinson and Carmel McAloon for the ETU Southern States Branch. It is a film about the success of pattern bargaining in the contracting industry. Now more than ever it is crucial that we hold the line.

Hold the Line takes us inside the Electrical Trades Union - one of Australia's most progressive and powerful trade unions - as it takes on John Howard's draconian IR laws. From Melbourne's major work sites, including Docklands, Crown Casino and Southern Cross Station, to the family home, ETU members talk about their industry and the importance of agreements that enable them to balance work and family life.

You can purchase a copy of Hold The Line on DVD in the ETU Shop.

Introduction to Hold the Line

ETU members talk about the challenges of operating under the Howard government's IR laws, and the importance of holding the line on hard fought for conditions.

 

 

Why it's important to hold the line

A variety of ETU members talk about why it's important to hold the line in bargaining.

 

 

ETU's leadership role

John Buchanan, Sharan Burrow and Troy Gray talk about the ETU's approach to bargaining and it's leadership role in the labour movement.
 
 
 

It's about workers' rights

Dean Mighell talks about what motivates him to hold the line and fight for workers rights.
 
 

 

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How do I know what I should get paid?

It can be quite complicated in determining this question. First, you have to determine what agreement covers your employment. Next, you then have to interpret the terms in the agreement. If you were a member, you will get the assistance of experienced union officials and the ETU legal department, who answers such questions like this everyday.

My husband is having problems with his employer and thinks he may be sacked. If he joins the Union will they help?

Members get the benefit of the ETU legal department that can represent them on any employment issues – including unfair dismissal. Non-members will have to get their own legal representation which will cost them potentially tens of thousands of dollars.

My son is a second year apprentice and has been working on his own and he does not get paid for overtime, is this okay for an employer to do this?

It is not okay for the Employer to do this. If your son is a member, the ETU has a designated Apprentices Officer who specializes in issues of Apprentices Supervision and Pay and will assist apprentices who are members on these and other relevant issues to the apprenticeship.
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