On 20 March this year I spoke in this House about the single biggest issue in Leppington and across the State, the cost‑of‑living crisis, with one of the biggest contributors being energy bills. In my speech I emphasised the significance of fair and just negotiations between Endeavour Energy and its dedicated workforce. Sadly, little has changed in the past three months and, in response, workers have taken industrial action with a rally today at Parramatta Square outside Endeavour's offices. I am here to reiterate that the best cost‑of‑living relief for workers is a robust union enterprise agreement. That not just a fundamental truth, which many people on this side of the House are aware of, but it is also a critical component in ensuring fair wages, improved working conditions and a balanced distribution of economic benefits. Unfortunately, Endeavour Energy continues to demonstrate an unwillingness to negotiate in good faith on key issues such as pay, overtime rates, rostering and allowances.

Endeavour Energy provides services for a large region, including western and south‑western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Illawarra, the Southern Highlands and the South Coast. The men and women who maintain our energy infrastructure in those areas, many of whom are from those same regions, deserve better. They should be recognised for their contributions. They are willing to engage in fair negotiations. One glaring issue is Endeavour Energy's failure to invest in the future of the workforce. The company trains the least number of apprentices of any power company in this State. That risks the future skills base of the industry and limits opportunities for young people looking to break into the industry. Just as alarming is the fact that since the privatisation of Endeavour Energy, network charges for customers have increased by over 20 per cent, far outpacing employee wage growth.

While customers are bearing the brunt of increased charges, the workers who keep the lights on are seeing their wages stagnate. To add insult to injury, Endeavour Energy executives, by contrast, received a pay increase of over 13 per cent last year. That is a glaring example of the disconnect between the company's upper management and its workforce. Further to how workers have been severely impacted by privatisation, the number of trade workers has more than halved since privatisation. Understandably, that has led to increased workloads and stress for remaining workers.

During the current industrial dispute, Endeavour Energy management has resorted to intimidation tactics, telling workers that up to half of the workforce would be sacked if they secured the terms that they were after. The behaviour demonstrated by Endeavour Energy is unacceptable and undermines the principles of fair negotiation. Worse still, Endeavour Energy management suggested that workers' cost‑of‑living issues could be resolved if they "stopped eating steak and smoking cigarettes." That is not only outrageous but it is absurd how out of touch that statement is with everyday struggles. The refusal of Endeavour Energy to engage in good-faith negotiations by resorting to intimidation tactics and absurd statements is a disservice to not just their employees but also the communities they serve.

In fact, Endeavour Energy owe it to all citizens of New South Wales, given that they own 49.6 per cent of the company. A fair enterprise agreement is crucial for the workers and for ensuring reliable and efficient energy services across the regions it covers. I urge Endeavour Energy to return to the negotiating table with a genuine willingness to address the concerns of its workers. Until that occurs, I will continue to support workers at Endeavour Energy in their continued industrial action.

Fair pay, reasonable working conditions and respect for the workforce are not demands; they are necessities for maintaining a motivated and effective workforce for any workplace across this State and this nation. I call on this House and all stakeholders to support the workers of Endeavour Energy in their fight for a fair enterprise agreement. The hardworking men and women of Endeavour Energy deserve respect, recognition and fair remuneration. It is time for Endeavour Energy to show that it values its employees and is committed to fair and equitable treatment.