Ausgrid workers to strike across Hunter in action for a fairer pay rise

From August 1, Electrical Trades Union (ETU) members will walk off the job in Cessnock, Singleton and Muswellbrook.

Up to two million Ausgrid customers could face inconveniences as part of the industrial action taking place in Sydney and other parts of regional NSW.

Around 1600 ETU members voted in favour of a range of actions including work stoppages, overtime bans, switching bans and locking bans.

"ETU members haven't yet received an offer that will allow them to keep up with cost of living increases," ETU NSW/ACT secretary Allen Hicks said.

Employees are seeking an annual pay raise of eight per cent, Ausgrid offered seven and 93 per cent of union members rejected the offer earlier in July.

Mr Hicks said the "insulting pay offer" has left workers with no choice but to launch industrial action.

"Ausgrid could instantly prevent any maintenance delays or inconveniences to the community with a serious offer that helps workers keep up with the spiralling cost of living," he said.

"Ausgrid workers' real wages have gone backwards with the cost-of-living crisis eroding the value of their last pay rise. Their experience is not recognised or rewarded, despite their critical role providing a safe and reliable electricity network for millions of NSW homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and infrastructure."

Households and businesses could experience maintenance delays and other inconveniences unless Ausgrid offers workers a serious pay rise that helps them keep up with the soaring cost of living.

However the union has ensured emergency work will not be affected by the action.