Workers at the Torrens Island power station have achieved a significant victory in their redundancy negotiations, securing an enhanced package that will provide crucial financial support as the facility prepares for closure.
Substantial Improvements in Redundancy Terms
After intensive negotiations between the Electrical Trades Union and energy giant AGL, employees facing job losses have secured substantially improved redundancy conditions. The new agreement includes four weeks' pay per year of service, a marked improvement from the previous offer of three weeks.
The breakthrough came following worker protests and union advocacy that highlighted the challenging circumstances facing power station employees. With the first round of redundancies scheduled for March 2025, the enhanced package will provide much-needed financial security for workers and their families.
Staged Closure Timeline
The Torrens Island power station, a landmark facility in South Australia's energy landscape, will undergo a phased shutdown process. The first of the station's two remaining operating units, Unit 1 of the Quarry Street power station, is set to cease operations in March next year.
The complete closure of the entire Torrens Island facility is planned for mid-2026, marking the end of an era for the site that has been operational since the 1960s. This timeline affects approximately 70 workers who remain employed at the aging gas-fired plant.
Electrical Trades Union SA/NT secretary David Bliss emphasized the importance of the outcome, stating that the improved redundancy terms recognize the workers' long service and the challenges of finding new employment in a transitioning energy sector.
Broader Implications for Energy Transition
This agreement sets an important precedent for workers across Australia's energy sector as the country transitions away from fossil fuel generation. The deal demonstrates that through collective bargaining and union representation, workers can achieve fair outcomes during periods of significant industry change.
The closure of Torrens Island represents the ongoing transformation of Australia's energy grid, with older thermal generation being replaced by renewable energy sources and newer, more efficient gas plants. The workers' victory ensures they receive proper recognition for their contributions to keeping South Australia powered for decades.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, this agreement provides a benchmark for how workers affected by power station closures should be treated, balancing corporate restructuring needs with fair compensation for long-serving employees.
