"Everyone knows that Colin Barnett is resorting to privatisation to pay off the record level of state debt that has accumulated during his time as premier," ETUWA secretary Les McLaughlan said.
"Colin Barnett privatised AlintaGas and the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline when he was energy minister in the Court government and was working on a plan to privatise Western Power before the Liberals lost the 2001 state election.
"By eroding the working conditions of workers at the plant, Mr Barnett is clearly trying to make Collie power station more attractive to potential purchasers."
The sticking point of the bargaining agreement, according the union, is an attempt by Transfield Worley Power Services, the operator of the station, to change the pre-paid hours given to workers each week for being on call.
Currently, workers receive 10 hours of pre-paid over time each week as compensation for being on call for accidents and emergencies.
The ETU has claimed that the management at the station have been insisting that these hours be used for ordinary work.
The ETU has applied for a second seven-day strike at the station beginning next Tuesday as they also chase a pay rise over the next three years.
"We are seeking a below inflation pay rise of 2.5% in the first year, followed by CPI increases in both the second and third years," McLaughlan said.
Energy News was unable to reach Transfield Worley Power Services CEO Gareth Mann for comment.
Privatisation claims
The State Government yesterday announced its first tranche of asset sales to reduce state debt, as foreshadowed when it released its budget in May.
On the chopping block are the Utah Point bulk handling facility, Kwinana bulk terminal and the Perth Market Authority.
"These are the first assets we will open up to the market. They have been identified as priority assets for sale," Barnett said.
"The three assets are expected to generate between $1 billion and $2 billion."
While no energy assets appeared in the first round of sales, the ETU's McLaughlan remained adamant it was on the cards.
"The state government has previously announced that it would look to sell some energy assets," he said.
When approached by Energy News, Energy Minister Mike Nayan's office declined to comment saying it was a matter for Transfield Worley Power Services and its employees.
The government has announced that a tranche of land sales will follow this first round of sell-offs.
