The ETU has a proud and boasting membership of almost 20,000 members who work in a range of different industries across the State including; power, rail, manufacturing, construction, petrochemical, food, lifts – just to name a few.

The Branch is a very diverse and inclusive craft-based Union.  The evolution of the Victorian Branch of the ETU is not only remarkable but virtually unprecedented around the world – most other craft Unions, like electrical Unions, in other countries either disappeared or were swallowed up by other unions in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

For the Victorian ETU to not only continue to exist, but go from strength to strength is a story that should be told.  We’ve come a long way from the days when a small group gathered in Lonsdale Street in 1902, and went on to create the ETU.  In the early days, we only had one Union official with a motorbike and sidecar – not even an office

These days we have a 18 officials, 35 staff, a training centre, a wellbeing centre, a communications department, a political research department, a financial department, a merchandise department and more.

Our leaders and Officials have always been rank and filers who have worked on the tools and represented members on the shop floor.  We are proud to boast a 400-strong network of workplace Delegates across Victoria, who are critical to our success in representing and achieving the highest outcomes for electrical workers and their families.

We succeed because we put our members first, winning some of the best wages and conditions for electrical workers anywhere in the world. At the same time, we ensure safe workplaces, protect the trade, and enhance employment and training opportunities for all members.  We have won respect industrially, politically and within the community and wider Union movement.