Essential Energy workers have warned New England residents that blackouts may occur as electricians continue mutli-day strikes due to pay industry disputes.

More than 2000 workers will walk off the job for 72 hours each week until Christmas following the NSW Government’s refusal to accept the electrical trade union’s wage demands, with the trade union requesting a 24% wage increase over 3 years to match their counterparts in Queensland.

Additional conditions from the Electrical Trade Union also include better wet weather allowance as well as more leave entitlements given the time workers spend on the road and away from families and homes.

Crews have indicated that they will continue to respond to emergencies and life-threatening events during the strike, however residents and businesses could be left to endure blackouts.