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A pay dispute between Tasmania's electrical workers union and TasNetworks is threatening to throw tomorrow's AFL clash between Hawthorn and North Melbourne in Launceston into chaos.
The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) is holding out for a pay increase for TasNetworks staff, with tomorrow's game caught in the crossfire amidst a stall in negotiations.
Recent power outages in Launceston, which saw the University of Tasmania's Inveresk campus without power for 36 hours earlier this week have also affected nearby York Park, which is slated to host the crucial final-round fixture.
With industrial action underway, including a union-imposed "switching ban", unionised TasNetworks workers are set to ignore the call should an outage hit York Park during tomorrow's clash, potentially throwing the game — and broader AFL season — into disarray.
Launceston's York Park was briefly without power on Tuesday, and it's power source is still unsteady. (Austadiums.com)
And with plans to potentially picket tomorrow afternoon's game, interstate contractors are being encouraged by the union not to cross picket lines should they be called upon to resolve any power outage.
The ABC understands discussions are taking place between the AFL, TasNetworks and the Tasmanian government regarding the status of the clash, with a relocation to Hobart's Blundstone Arena floated as a potential — but highly unlikely — solution, if the situation cannot be resolved.
It is understood the preferred solution would be a relocation of the match to Melbourne, however, the logistics of that are unclear with both Hawthorn and North Melbourne already in Tasmania, and broadcast trucks bumped in at the ground.
Players from both clubs have touched down in Launceston, making a last minute change of venue more difficult. (Facebook: University of Tasmania Stadium)
Ticketing, corporate requirements and contractual obligations between Hawthorn and the Tasmanian government would also need to be considered — as well as the ramifications of shifting the match, which is crucial to not only Hawthorn's top 8 hopes but also the final makeup of the AFL ladder, which will determine the draft order.
In a statement, TasNetworks chief executive Sean McGoldrick told the ABC that "the power is on at the UTAS Stadium [York Park], and our network is secure".
But that "due to CEPU union-led action, restoration to any unplanned outage is not guaranteed".
Mr McGoldrick said the York Park power source is currently secure, but that any unplanned outage could be dire. (Facebook: TasNetworks)
"It is disappointing that union-led industrial action has even created speculation about the status of the game."
The CEPU is seeking "pay parity" with mainland counterparts, who they say are paid up to 30 per cent more for "doing exactly the same job".
TasNetworks workers are among those who have been involved in industrial action this week. (Facebook: TasNetworks)
TasNetworks' increased pay offer includes a year one pay increase of 7 per cent with a one-off payment of $2,000, before pay increases in years two and three, linked to inflation.
The match is scheduled to start at 4:40pm tomorrow, meaning the use of lights at the venue would be essential.
The AFL has been contacted for comment.
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