Media release 12 Sep : Industrial Action Harming Local Small Business

Member for Albury Justin Clancy has revealed ongoing industrial action against electricity suppliers, is adversely impacting family-owned small businesses in the Albury region.

The comments follow the latest strike action this week by local Essential Energy workers, as part of an ongoing pay dispute, as they push for a 24 per cent pay increase over three years.

“Whilst I respect the right to take industrial action, what is deeply concerning is the impact on small businesses caught up in this rolling campaign that is impacting thousands of projects across the state, including here in our community.

Mr Clancy said it is unacceptable that the NSW Labor Government is allowing these strikes to harm hard-working families and small businesses, who are already doing it tough financially due to the ongoing cost of living pressures.

Local electrician Robert Boschetti has spoken of the significance and voiced his upset after a planned power outage on Tuesday morning, to allow for a major project to be carried out with Albury City Council, was cancelled at the last minute by Essential Energy.

The family business had a team of eight electricians assigned for the three-day project, following months of planning and preparation. Fees and costs were incurred in the lead-up, with a crane operator and truck drivers also on site, along with the electrical team.

Mr Boschetti has shared the ongoing campaign is leaving its mark financially.

“In some cases, liquidated damages on delayed projects can be as high as $5000/day”, the Thurgoona small businessman revealed.

Mr Clancy said he has contacted Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis, along with Minister for Small Business Steven Kamper, seeking urgent assurance future planned outages with Essential Energy will be honoured.