Mr NATHAN HAGARTY (Leppington) (21:01): I acknowledge the successful resolution of the recent industrial dispute between Schindler Lifts, its employees, and proud members of the Electrical Trades Union [ETU]. This was the first time in more than two decades that Schindler workers in New South Wales had taken protected industrial action. These highly skilled tradespeople build and maintain the lifts and escalators that keep our cities moving. They did not walk off the job lightly. They did so because they believed they were being treated unfairly.
Schindler had proposed putting New South Wales workers on lower pay and conditions than their colleagues in Queensland and Victoria—a first in the company's Australian history. Understandably, workers felt that was simply unacceptable. Equal work should always mean equal pay, regardless of your postcode. Early in negotiations, Schindler attempted to lock out its workforce, but the ETU took the matter to the Fair Work Commission and thankfully it won. The commission ruled the lockout unlawful and ordered the company to provide back pay for the lost hours. That decision set an important precedent: Fairness and due process must prevail.
As negotiations continued, workers were told the company could not afford more than a 4 per cent annual wage increase. Rather than accept that, the workers voted for an indefinite work stoppage. For five long weeks, without pay, they stood strong, and they stood together. The ETU supported members through a hardship fund, and donations came in from across the country. That solidarity from fellow union members—myself included—and from the wider labour movement and the community, made significant difference in this industrial struggle. It helped families stay afloat, boosted morale and showed that when workers support one another they can achieve lasting change.
After five weeks of action, Schindler returned to the table and a fair agreement was reached. Workers secured a 5.25 per cent annual pay rise above what had been offered. Other key outcomes include better job security, higher super and severance pay by 2028, stronger safety and wellbeing measures, paid special leave for emergencies, fair expense reimbursements, stronger union rights and privacy protections for workers. This agreement provides certainty for workers and management and sets a new benchmark for the lift and escalator industry. It recognises the essential nature of this work and the people who keep our buildings safe and operational.
The outcome also demonstrates the strength of genuine collective bargaining. Industrial disputes can be difficult, but when both sides return to the table in good faith, fair outcomes are possible. That is what happened here. The workers, through their union, were organised, respectful and determined. After a challenging period, Schindler management engaged constructively to finalise an agreement that works for everybody. The result is stability for the company and, most importantly, security for its employees.
This dispute also showed the best of the Australian union tradition, grounded in solidarity, fairness and community. The ETU stood by its members every single step of the way. Unions across the country offered support, and individuals donated to help families throughout a tough period. That spirit of unity and shared purpose defines the labour movement at its best. Industrial action is never easy. It always comes with significant sacrifice, but sometimes it is the only way to achieve fair treatment and ensure that future generations of workers are not left worse off. The Schindler workers took that stand and, by doing so, they improved conditions for not just themselves but also their entire industry and, of course, future generations.
Today, the Schindler workforce can move forward with confidence. They have secured better pay, stronger protections and a safer workplace. The company, in turn, has a stable and experienced workforce ready to deliver for years to come. This outcome reminds us that cooperation and respect are the foundation of a fair workplace. When dialogue replaces division and workers and employers recognise their shared interests, every one of us benefits. I commend the workers, the ETU and Schindler for resolving this dispute in a fair and constructive manner, and for showing that solidarity, respect and negotiation remain solid cornerstones of the Australian way of work.
