Telecommunications
CEPU condemns Telstra job cuts
(12 May 2010) The CEPU has reacted sharply to Telstra’s latest indications that it plans to cut some 900 jobs from its operations in the coming financial year.
The union was briefed by Telstra on the proposed cuts on 27 April but no details as to where and when they were likely to occur was provided.
Communications Division President Len Cooper slammed the future cuts which he claimed will severely affect the level of service to the customer.
“Last October the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman reported a 54% increase in complaints and between July and December 2009. Telstra topped the grievance list with 58,597 complaints”, Mr. Cooper said.
The CEPU has long argued that Telstra policies linked to staff cuts, contracting out and skills shortages have led to decline in customer service standards. It has presented evidence before a number of inquiries on the deterioration of the fixed network, including the many plastic bagged, plastic wrapped and ring barked joints that can be found in all parts of the country and the related rise of fault levels, especially in wet weather.
The union continues to need feed-back from members in the field about the extent of such problems so as to help fight job losses and protect members’ jobs.
The union is also interested in hearing from members in teams where Telstra has employed new workers in the last twelve months or in teams where Excelior trainees are being employed. The CEPU has received reports that these trainees have at times been required to work unsupervised.
Such practices, when they occur, have implications for both OHS and customer service standards.
For more information, contact the CEPU via feedback@cepu.asn.au