Sale Plan Brings Fears Of End To Job Security

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday December 12, 2007

By FRANCES THOMPSON

WHAT Carl Peterson fears most from the NSW power carve-up is losing a stability he has enjoyed since his working life began in 1979.

Mr Peterson, 47, of Floraville, said his Electrical Trades Union (ETU) delegates told him they expected another five years of secure employment before the big changes might occur.

"I don't have much faith in guarantees," he said.

Mr Peterson has worked at the Vales Point power station, which is operated by Delta Energy, since 1993.

As a technician, he looks after instruments and control systems.

"One of the biggest attractions of working here was the job security, " Mr Peterson said.

He works with many contractors who are always on the move from job to job.

If he was able to stay on under a new company, he may have to be on-call and move to where the work was, perhaps in other parts of the state, he said.

"We generate power every day. The job is here," Mr Peterson said. "I know this place inside out."

He is a good example of how traditional NSW industries have changed.

After an apprenticeship with the former Electricity Commission of NSW in 1979, he worked at Bayswater power station, then had five years at Liddell, and two years at Lake Munmorah before moving to Vales Point in 1993.

When industry changes were implemented in 1996, leading to the creation of state-owned power corporations including Delta and Macquarie Generation, Mr Peterson was secure at Vales Point.

ETU delegate Les McAllister said he had been waiting for the Premier's announcement since 1997.

He said workers such as Mr Peterson were "site specific people".

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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