Otis electricians' four day strike

Electrical Trades Union (ETU Division of the CEPU) members 
throughout Queensland employed by the major lift and escalator 
installer and repairer, Otis, took strike action from October 9-
13 as part of a campaign to win a 36-hour week (now 38 hours) and 
compensation for the increased job responsibilities arising from 
Queensland's new Electrical Safety Act.

This latest strike action by Otis electricians follows similar 
action in September. when an overtime was imposed. This means 
that lifts and elevators maintained by Otis are not repaired 
outside office hours (6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).

This latest industrial action by about 100 Otis electricians 
follows a breakdown of enterprise bargaining negotiations between 
Otis and the ETU.

Otis is owned by the United States-based multinational United 
Technologies Corporation (UTC) and services, maintains and 
repairs escalators and elevators at about 1800 sites throughout 
Queensland. It also installs elevators and escalators in new 
buildings.

Major buildings in the State's south east potentially affected by 
the four day strike and the continuing overtime ban, should 
breakdowns occur, include:

Myer Centre, Brisbane Executive Building, Commonwealth Government 
Centre, Treasury Casino, University of Queensland, Brisbane 
Airport terminals, Telstra Towers, State Law Building, Royal 
Brisbane Hospital, Queensland Police headquarters, Queensland 
Cultural Centre, Mater Hospital, Ipswich City Council, Hilton 
Hotel, Marriott Hotel, David Jones, Commonwealth Law Courts and 
Suncorp Stadium.

A number of major construction sites are also potentially 
affected by the strike action and the overtime ban.

In addition to a 36 hour week the Otis workers are seeking a 
licensing allowance of up to $80 per week, achieved over the life 
of a three-year enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA), to 
compensate for the increased job responsibility arising from 
Queensland's new Electrical Safety Act.

ETU Queensland Secretary, Dick Williams, said the Otis workers 
have indicated from the start of the dispute their readiness to 
fight hard for their EBA claim.

"However, I can again assure the general community that any life 
threatening situations, such as people trapped in lifts, will be 
attended to, as will the needs of the disabled, ill and elderly.

"Otis has already given its Victorian employees the 36-hour week 
and it is silly for them to be continuing this dispute here in 
Queensland over the issue. I call on Otis to come to its senses 
so everyone can get back to work with a minimum of disruption", 
Mr Williams said.