USU and ETU Members to Consider Proposed Agreement Following Bargaining Dispute Proceedings
USU
Members of the United Services Union (USU) and Electrical Trades Union (ETU) will meet this afternoon to consider a proposed agreement put forward following a bargaining dispute that was brought before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) by the unions last week.
The matter was presided over by Commissioner McDonald and saw Riverina Water table a compromise position aimed at resolving ongoing industrial tensions.
The employer’s offer includes a further 1% increase to the three-year pay deal initially proposed but sidesteps the Unions’ calls for full harmonisation of hours across the workforce.
Despite these limitations, the parties were able to reach an in-principle agreement.
Union members will now have their say on whether to endorse the proposed resolution.
Key elements of the proposal include:
Four-Day Week Trial: Employees currently working 38 hours per week will trial a condensed four-day work week from August 2025 to February 2026. Staff will work their usual 38 hours across four days.
Public Holidays and Leave: If a rostered day off coincides with a public holiday, an additional day’s leave will be provided. Leave taken on workdays during the trial will be deducted at 9.5 hours per day.
30-Minute Lunch Breaks: All participating employees will take a standard 30- minute break during the trial.
Pathway to Permanency: If the trial proves successful based on agreed measures, the four-day roster will become permanent.
Pay Offer: Riverina Water has proposed a total 14% wage increase over three years, with 6% to be paid in July 2025, followed by 4% in July 2026 and another 4% in July 2027.
The proposed resolution is the result of rigorous negotiations and is part of a broader effort to improve employee wellbeing and address equity across workforce groups.
The parties are due to report back to the Industrial Relations Commission on 20 June 2025 to update Commissioner McDonald on the progress of consultations and next steps.
Contacts: Tim Brunero 0405 285 547