An active ETU membership at Kone Lifts was determined to get the best possible agreement for their workforce, inspired by the gains made by union members at Schindler. Engaging in the bargaining process, members were committed to getting a good outcome. Kone vastly improved its offer in a bid to avoid industrial action, and members ended up achieving parity on rates and conditions with Schindler, without having to take industrial action.
Major wins include:
- Security of Employment – the use of subcontractors in the lift industry has been an ever-increasing problem. This new EBA addresses the overuse of subcontractors and creates certainty and strengthens the job security for members for the next 3 years.
- Wages will increase each year by 5.25%.
- Superannuation will increase to 15% by 1/4/2028.
- Severance payments will increase to $120 per week by 1/4/2028.
- A GPS/surveillance clause which prohibits the use of such technology to discipline employees.
- Provisions for inclement weather which creates a safer work environment for ETU members.
- Good Union delegate and Health & Safety representative clauses.
- Improvements to manage fatigue issues.
- Provisions for ETU members to transition to retirement if they wish to do so.
- Mandatory requirements to expedite the reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses that have been incurred.
- Paid special leave for pandemics, community service, and natural disasters.
- Access to extended sick leave for up to 2 years.
- 16 weeks of primary carer parental leave.
- Service Flexibility Allowance introduced, which is a step towards parity with the construction allowance.
“There’s no doubt that the 5 straight weeks of industrial action taken by ETU members at Schindler sent a strong message to the lift industry that ETU members are willing to fight hard for a great outcome,” said ETU NSW/ACT Secretary Allen Hicks.
“With this recent dispute in mind, Kone members were able to secure similar rates and conditions without having to take industrial action.”
While members didn’t get everything they wanted, they can still take pride in the great wins and advances of this agreement. The rates and conditions in this agreement are a big step towards addressing inequalities with states like Victoria where the pay in the lift industry is much higher. NSW is currently the fastest growing lift industry workforce in the country, so there’s no reason we should be left behind on rates and conditions.
A big thanks to members at Schindler for taking industrial action, and for all Kone members committed to getting the best possible deal across the industry as a whole. Together, you’ve set the new standard for the lift sector in NSW.