The responsibility of providing electricity & gas (energy), and water/sewerage in our society falls on ASU members across the country. To employees who work in those areas, 'utilities' is a familiar title that sums up their industries.
The utilities industry has seen a movement away from government control to a mix of privatised and corporatised entities facing competition in the energy section and a water section that is a mix of State corporatised authorities, private-public partnerships, private water and sewerage treatment plants and local government water authorities/departments.
The utilities industries have attracted the attention of Federal and State governments in their pursuit of deregulation, cost efficiency and public-sector reform. This has created avenues for private sector participation, consultants and privatisation. Such trends are not unique to Australia but, as in the names and owners of the private sector participants, follow a worldwide trend of reform of utilities.
This means the ASU deals not only with public sector departments, corporatised authorities, local government but also the private sector participants including international utility companies. This is a global trend, and the ASU is not alone. International best practice, bench marking against utilities in other Australian States and internationally are commonly pursued by companies and consultants in their drive for efficiency, to stretch governments' budgets further or the pursuit of profit for shareholders.
Utilities industry workers need representation, assistance in organising and campaigning to get the message across to management, owners and the community - that's where the ASU comes in.
Greg McLean
Assistant National Secretary
Convenor Utilities Division
The Australian Services Union is Australia's largest Union in the energy/electricity industry. With ASU members working in a variety of fields, every time you turn on an electric switch, visit an automatic teller machine, walk into an air conditioned room, catch an electric train, watch television or even use your computer, an ASU member has been part of the process of delivering energy to you.
ASU members work in thermal power stations, isolated hydro stations, next generation facilities, electricity transmission systems and the multi-layered distribution/retail industry.
The occupations of ASU members cover the range of occupations within the modern energy industry. Members also work in corporatised authorities and private sector energy companies throughout all States of Australia.
Whatever the award, enterprise agreement or other document that outlines your conditions of employment, superannuation, wages and salaries, occupational health and safety and more, Australia's largest energy Union has been part of the negotiations to establish your benefits, both now and in the past.
The ASU has been a feature of the Australian energy industry from its inception, through local government authorities and State enterprises, when electricity was first generated in this country almost 100 years ago -- we have a proud history of ensuring ASU members enjoy superior benefits.
Prior to 1993 the ASU was known variously as the MEU, MOA or CLERKS Unions, many Branch members still have a great affinity to those original unions, but they are all part of the ASU.
The network of ASU Branches, local representation and delegates, backed up by full-time officials of the Union, have allowed us to represent members and gain significant benefits. The changes taking place within the Australian energy industry are a reflection of worldwide trends, international ideas, international companies, and the global economy.
No matter where you work in Australia or the issues you face, we are not far away and have the expertise to understand and deal with your energy industry.
Your National ASU Energy Team:
Greg Mclean
Assistant National Secretary
Barry O'Brien
National industrial Officer
Water Section
The ASU has been part of the Australian water industry since Branches of the Union first covered membership in local government and State authorities around 100 years ago. The Union has followed the development of the industry, representing members and achieving high standards in conditions of employment, rates of play and occupational health and safety.
The rates of pay and conditions of employment you work under have been directly affected or negotiated by the ASU, no matter what your classification in the water industry, or your employer - we are, after all, Australia's largest water industry union.
With the changing environment in the Australian water industry, along with the movement towards competency based training, the Union has gained recognition for members, job security, better rates of pay and conditions of employment along with portability of training for members with that training being recognised throughout the entire Australian water industry, no matter whether you work in local government, the private sector, corporatised or traditional government authorities.
With Branches in every State, offices in all capital cities, regional centres and mobile officials, the ASU is never far away. We pride ourselves on working with members to achieve outcomes that benefit members and their families.
If you think we can help or want to know more about the ASU and what we can do for water industry workers, please feel free to contact the ASU National Utilities Division. We will either help you directly or put you in contact with you local ASU representative.
World Water Day 2006
The ASU was involved in the World Water Day Campaign 2006. The ASU developed a Charter that could be signed by individuals, workplace groups, workplace delegates of the ASU, or by other Unions, members of Government, members of Parliament, individual corporations, social movements and non-Government Organisations that are supportive of water services, communities and those that work within the water industry.
Authorised and published by Paul Slape,
National Secretary, Australian Services Union,
Ground floor, 116 Queensberry Street,
Carlton South, Victoria, 3053, Australia
