A Story of Standing Together: How The ETU, Secured the Gorgon Barrow Island CO₂ Project Agreement
It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t quick. But it was worth every tough conversation, every long negotiation, and every moment spent fighting for something better.
After months of determined and relentless bargaining with UGL, your union has secured a Greenfields Enterprise Agreement (EA) for the Gorgon Barrow Island CO₂ Project—and it’s raising the bar across the Northwest.
Some of you have asked, “Why did the ETU sign this agreement?”
Here’s why:
This deal wasn’t decided in a boardroom far away. It was built from your feedback, your on-site conversations, and your real experiences. Every voice mattered. Every challenge was heard. And when it came time to fight, we fought for real gains for every electrical worker.
We’ve walked the yards on Barrow. We’ve worked the tools. We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with you—on-site, in the Southwest, in the Northwest, onshore, offshore. Since 1906, the ETU WA has represented you, and this agreement is a reflection of your voice and your value.
So what did we lock in?
Fairer Rosters
A better balance:
✅ 15 days on, 6 days off
✅ 13 x 12-hour shifts per swing = 166.5 hours total
✅ Project-dedicated flights secured
We made it clear:
“It’s 2:1 with 12-hour shifts—or we don’t sign.”
We didn’t back down.
Solid Rates
We delivered rates that respect your skills:
✅ Electrical TAs: $47.98/hr (all-purpose)
✅ Electricians: $56.29/hr (all-purpose)
✅ INLEC DT: $58.75/hr (all-purpose)
And on top of that:
✅ $5.40 per hour flat site allowance
Income Protection & Severance
We fought for security beyond the job:
✅ $250/week severance through Protect (including R&R) — up to $13K/year, potentially tax-free
✅ Income protection: $2,692–$2,773/week with short wait times, through the best cover available for licensed trades like electricians and plumbers
Annual Earnings Potential
For those going hard all year:
✅ Electrical TAs: $217K+ (no leave taken)
✅ Electricians: $252K+ (no leave taken)
✅ INLEC DTs: $263K+ (no leave taken)
This isn’t just another agreement.
This is a game-changer for the electrical contracting industry.
For the first time onshore, an enforceable agreement with unions guarantees 12 hours of pay per day. No shortcuts. No empty promises. A clear line drawn in the sand—on rosters, rates, and respect.
We didn’t just secure an agreement.
We set a new standard.
And we did it together.
✅ Stand together.
✅ Work together.
✅ Win together.
Source: ETU WA Facebook Page.