AN industrial ban on union members connecting new homes to the power grid has left at least 30 properties around Wodonga without electricity.
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Among those caught out is Doug Sanderson who, despite having a tenant in place, is unable to rent out his two-bedroom house at a Bandiana estate.
“It just needs power, that’s all it needs,” Mr Sanderson said.
“It is a fully-completed home, there’s just no power.
“I’ve got a tenant to go in, but I can’t do anything about it.
“It’s pretty disheartening.”
The Electrical Trades Union has banned its members, who are employed by AusNet Services, from connecting new homes to the grid as part of industrial action related to an enterprise agreement.
The measure has been in place since late last year with neither the union or company able to tell The Border Mail when the ban will end.
Union organiser Justin Sordello said: “At the moment the bans are unlimited but that could change with a phone call.”
AusNet spokeswoman Helina Lilley said: “It’s definitely not our ban, it’s imposed by the union.”
Member for Benambra Bill Tilley, who has been approached for help by Mr Sanderson, said it was an unacceptable situation.
“This issue is now critical, the builders we have spoken to suggest at least 30 homes are simply awaiting connection, the owners unable to move in because they can’t provide a certificate of occupancy,” Mr Tilley said.
“This is only going to get worse with more homes nearing completion.”
Mr Tilley said if the stand-off was not resolved soon the Victorian government would have to intervene.
“I’m not taking sides here, I just want what’s best for our people and both the company and union need to come back to the table sooner rather than later,” he said.
“Failing that this needs the state government and its Industrial Relations Minister Natalie Hutchins to come up to speed with this and act.”
Mr Sanderson said he had taken his concerns to the office of Victorian Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio but not received a response.
Ms D’Ambrosio did not respond to The Border Mail.
Both the ETU and AusNet said talks between the organisations were continuing.
The representatives said connections were still being done if there were special circumstances, such as a householder being disabled.
Mr Sanderson has been in limbo since early December when his house was completed.
“You can imagine if you wanted to move in for Christmas or had sold another house and thinking you’re moving into a house, it’s pretty devastating,” he said.
