Our position

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) is one of Australia’s largest trade unions with more than 70,000 members who are electricians, apprentices and electrical workers. We use our collective strength to achieve industrial, political and social results, such as raising wages, improving conditions and safety and improving life for all Australians.

The Electrical Trades Union has a long history of opposing uranium mining and the nuclear power industry.

The ETU’s official policy against the nuclear industry dates back to the 1950s, resulting from the shared experiences of ETU members who returned from Japan after World War II. In the 60 years since, our Union has regularly revisited this policy to learn more about the nuclear fuel cycle, changes and advances to technologies, technical interaction with the network and economic viability. We are also deeply concerned about the effect of the nuclear industry on First Nations People, the environment and health and safety.

The ETU has had a ban on members working in uranium mining and the broader nuclear industry since 1945.

In 2019 at the ETU national conference, over 350 delegates and members of the ETU debated and reaffirmed the Union’s policy of opposition to nuclear energy and uranium mining.

As a union representing workers in all energy industries, we have a responsibility to speak out against energy sources that do more harm than good. Our position is clear: nuclear power is not a solution to our energy needs. From the risks associated with the mining and extraction of uranium and the huge build costs, the devastation and deadly consequences when incidents occur, to its potential to take us down the path of devastating weaponry, the nuclear industry causes more issues than it could potentially solve.

We have created this site to provide a source of reliable information for our members and the public about the realities of uranium mining and nuclear power. Please explore this site and feel free to use its contents as an educational resource.


"When the Dust Settles" was created in 2010 to explain to members and the Australian people the dangers of working in Uranium mining. This is a must see for any worker tempted to work in a uranium mine.