ETU Members Prepared to Take Action for Fair and Safe Conditions at Bechtel Pluto 2
- ETU WA Admin
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Perth, WA
25 October 2025
The Electrical Trades Union, WA Branch (ETU) has reaffirmed its commitment to securing a fair and modern agreement for its members working on Bechtel’s Pluto Train 2 project, announcing plans to pursue Protected Industrial Action (PIA) as negotiations stall on key issues of fairness, safety and respect at work.
ETU State Secretary Adam Woodage said the union’s members had made their priorities clear - they want an agreement that values their contribution, recognises the sacrifices made through remote and high-pressure work, and ensures conditions that are family-friendly, sustainable and support workers wellbeing – physically, mentally and socially.
“Our members aren’t asking for luxuries - they’re asking for fairness,” Woodage said.
“They work long rosters, often in extreme conditions, building projects that generate billions for major corporations and governments. It’s only fair they receive safe rosters, paid time for work that’s actually worked, proper recognition for their skills and super that reflects real-world working hours. These are reasonable expectations that strengthen families and local communities, not just individual pay packets.”
The ETU’s approach to negotiation is centred around four core principles - fairness, family-friendly rosters, recognition, and sustainability. Fairness means being paid properly for every hour worked and ensuring conditions keep pace with the cost of living. Family-friendly rosters are those considerate of mental health and family dynamics, allowing workers to rest, reconnect, and return to work safely. Recognition ensures skilled trades are properly classified and valued for the expertise and responsibility they carry. Sustainability is about steady, predictable wage growth that supports WA’s skilled workforce and keeps major projects on track.
Within that framework, the ETU’s key claims include:
Retention of existing roster arrangements
Paid breaks
Paid travel time
Superannuation improvements
Increased local living allowances
Recognition of additional trades classifications
Predictable annual wage increases
A commissioning allowance for specialised work
Mr. Woodage said these claims represent fairness and common sense, not excess.
“Australians everywhere are feeling the pinch. Costs are up, but wages haven’t kept pace for years. Our members just want an agreement that keeps the balance right - one that rewards hard work, protects their wellbeing and helps keep regional communities alive. That’s not unreasonable; it’s fair.”
“They’re the ones driving this project; they are the people making Woodside’s billions possible. If fairness isn’t on the table, then we’re prepared to take action to make sure it is.”
With negotiations stalling, ETU members are now preparing to move to Protected Industrial Action to secure the fair wages and conditions they’ve earned. The union will continue working alongside delegates and site representatives to ensure every member’s voice is heard.
“We’d rather reach an agreement at the table and remain willing and able to meet with Bechtel’s bargaining team at short notice,” Mr. Woodage said, “but make no mistake, if Bechtel refuses to listen, our members are ready to fight for fairness.”
ENDS
For further media enquiries –
Adam Woodage
P: 08 9440 3522
