TasNetworks has suspended industrial action by unions and ordered employees back to work ahead of an incoming weather system that is expected to cause widespread power outages.
The decision was made after more than 1,600 customers in Devonport were left without power on Sunday afternoon.
“I haven’t declared this emergency event lightly. We respect our people’s right to take lawful protected industrial action,” CEO Sean McGoldrick said.
“But the incoming weather is considered severe enough to take pre-emptive steps and return our people to full normal duties as soon as possible.”
Rostered TasNetworks field and dispatch crews will return to work as soon as possible.
“Amid our current differences, we are all Tasmanians,” McGoldrick said.
“Our fellow Tasmanians need TasNetworks and relevant unions united in serving and supporting them at this moment of severe imminent weather.”
Tasmanian Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union organiser Chris Clark said the messaging from TasNetworks was “very misleading”.
“It’s not business as usual,” he said. “Our strike action isn’t suspended.”
He said union members will only mobilise and respond to specific incidents to make the situation safe and will only carry out restoration work at nursing homes or hospitals.
The company’s current enterprise agreement offer in-front of workers includes a wage increase of 7% and a one-off payment of $2,000.
It also includes Year 2 and 3 increases linked to CPI and paid parental leave of 15 weeks for both parents.
TasNetworks will next meet with union representatives on Tuesday.
