WA: Striking subbies expected to return to work

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2004
WA: Striking subbies expected to return to work

Striking sub-contractors working for Western Australia's major electricity supplier
are expected to return to work today.

They've been ordered back by the industrial umpire.

The workers, from Western Power maintenance sub-contractor United KG/Siemens, have
been in dispute with their employer for five weeks over a new enterprise bargaining agreement.

The strike has threatened electricity supplies to Perth and the south-west of the state,
with planned maintenance to the major Kwinana and Muja power stations falling behind schedule.

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union state organiser SHAUN CURRIE has told Perth
radio 6PR that the workers will be advised at a meeting today to return to work following
the interim order by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission last night.

Western Power's DOUG ABERLE has told 6PR the maintenance and repair work is vital if
Western Power is to maintain full capacity for summer demand.

AAP RTV tr/jv/rp

KEYWORD: POWER (PERTH)

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