Blackout warning as power workers threaten strike action


New South Wales could be hit by blackouts as 600 workers at two Hunter Valley power stations prepare to take industrial action over stalled pay talks.    

The Bayswater and Liddell stations which produce up to 40 per cent of the state's power, could be hit by overtime bans and stoppages of up to 48 hours.

Fairwork Australia has directed unions to give the operator, Macquarie Generation seven days notice of any action instead of the normal three days.

CFMEU Energy Division spokesman Allen Drew says the company argued it needs the extra time to make alternative arrangements if workers walk-out.

"That's part of their argument," he said.

"The other part is the organisation is run with a factor of 20 per cent overtime, so that even if we have an overtime ban on, that could lead to a situation where they may have to units off line in a quick period of time."

He says Macquarie Generation is seeking to strip-away hard fought entitlements.    

"It's all to do with our negotiations for a new enterprise agreement where we're running into hurdles.

"They want to take away our conditions that we've held for many years and fought for in the past.    

"We're willing to work with Macquarie Generation on ways and means of improving productivity but not by taking off our conditions."

Workers at both power stations will be asked to vote in coming days on the industrial action.    

Macquarie Generation says it would be disappointed if employees resorted to strike action as it would put power supplies at risk.

It says it is working hard to reach a new enterprise agreement and is hopeful it can be achieved without the need for industrial action.