Hundreds of Western Power workers walk off the job, launching 24 hour strike amid stalled pay negotiations

Hundreds of Western Power workers walked off the job on Friday, launching a 24 hour strike over stalled pay negotiations. An inflated “scab rat” and corporate “fat cat” were joined by about 150 workers protesting outside Western Power’s city headquarters on Wellington Street, with more industrial action already planned for next week. Strike action included all metro depots and regional sites including Pinjarra and Northam. Western Power said on Friday there was no impact on power supplies and that arrangements were in place to minimise disruptions and ensure safety. “That is our absolute priority and we have worked collaboratively with the CEPU to ensure measures are in place to maintain a safe network,” Executive Manager Zane Christmas said. “Our contact centre is not affected during this time so the community can contact us as usual.” “We remain committed to open, good faith bargaining.” The Electrical Trades Union has vowed it is ready for a long fight, with its demand for a 36 hour working week the main point of contention. “We’ve got strike actions planned for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week,” ETU State Secretary Adam Woodage said. “Spirits are high, the members are willing to dig in and continue the fight... 20 minutes isn’t insurmountable for the State Government to give our membership. “That’s a significant frustration, when you have New South Wales on a 35 hour week, Queensland on 36.25 and Victoria is on a 36.”