By Chris Spindler
MELBOURNE — After a long campaign, the Electrical Trades Union has won an agreement with Kilpatrick Green on the Docklands site for a 36-hour work week with an increase in pay.
The 38-hour week formally remains, with one day off per month, but the agreement includes provision for a second day off and an increase in the overtime pay rate. Overtime is limited to 10 hours per week per worker, maximising the number of jobs on the site.
Reflect the ETU's commitment to apprentices and training, the agreement includes the employment of one apprentice for every three trades workers. It also includes the aim of one in six workers employed being over the age of 45.
Kilpatrick Green wanted to limit the number of electricians on site to 25. The union and other contractors estimated that 60, or possibly up to 100, were required.
The ETU's campaign targeted not just the sub-contractor, but the Kennett government, by pointing out it has the opportunity to use large, long-term projects like the Docklands for training young workers.
Electricians on the site will also receive trauma insurance, including $250,000 life insurance, and accident and sickness benefits worth $14 per week.