Professionals Australia, the union representing engineers and energy industry professionals, has today accused ElectraNet of undermining legally protected industrial action taken by South Australia’s power workers by falsifying staff timesheets.
Members are currently undertaking lawful action, including a ban on completing timesheets, in their first industrial action in 25 years as part of the campaign for fair pay and conditions.
Instead of respecting this action and negotiating in good faith, ElectraNet management has reportedly been filling in timesheets themselves, guessing what projects staff are working on and for how long.
Professionals Australia Senior Organiser Dominic Mugavin said this behaviour shows blatant disregard for workers’ rights and could amount to criminal conduct.
“This conduct undermines our members’ rights to take collective action in pursuit of a fair enterprise agreement. ElectraNet’s response has been to falsify documents. That’s not just disrespectful, it could be criminal.”
The union warns the implications are serious, saying the falsification of timesheets risks inaccurate invoicing to customers and project partners, could mislead the Australian Energy Regulator, and may even amount to falsification of records, a criminal offence carrying penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment under South Australian law.
“This isn’t just a workplace dispute anymore. ElectraNet’s conduct could have far-reaching consequences for customers, regulators, and the integrity of the energy sector,” Dominic Mugavin said.
ElectraNet has already held two failed ballots on its proposed agreement, with a third ballot now open that is not supported by Professionals Australia.
“ElectraNet has already tried and failed twice to push through an unacceptable agreement. This latest behaviour looks like desperation to undermine workers in the middle of a third ballot.
“South Australians rely on our members to keep the lights on. They deserve respect, not retaliation that clearly crosses a line. Customers, regulators, and possibly even police should be looking closely at ElectraNet’s conduct,” Dominic Mugavin said.
The union says the company’s latest conduct looks like an attempt to pressure staff in the middle of a protracted dispute.
Professionals Australia is calling for:
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ElectraNet to immediately cease this conduct.
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Authorities, including the AER, to investigate possible inaccurate billing and record-keeping.
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Law enforcement to consider whether offences have been committed.
Contact details:
Siobhan McDonnell
0439 505 261