The NSW Opposition has called on the Minns Labor Government to ensure that the Electrical Trades Union industrial action does not drive up energy costs for NSW households and small businesses.
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Damien Tudehope condemned the energy union for a power grab at the expense of families and businesses across New South Wales.
“After raiding the public coffers for unfunded public sector wage rises totalling $9.5 billion, the unions are going after private businesses, and they risk holding the people of NSW hostage in the process,” Mr Tudehope said.
The Union rejected a pay rise of 13% last year and is now striking in a way that will affect and delay crucial renewables and transmission projects. Any such delays ultimately hurt households and small businesses through energy shortages and increased power bills.
“Families and small businesses across our State are doing it tough, and the last thing they need is to be caught up in the crossfire of a union power grab.
“Chris Minns needs to tell his union mates to stop using NSW people and businesses as pawns in their games.
“The Minister for Energy needs to urgently guarantee that union disruptions will not lead to delays and cost blowouts for critical energy projects,” Mr Tudehope said.