Telecommunications
Telstra EA talks set to resume
(1 March 2010) Talks between Telstra and the CEPU are set to resume with a view to finalising a fair Enterprise Agreement for our members following a positive response from Telstra CEO David Thodey to a CEPU initiative.
Earlier this month, the CEPU, together with the other Telstra unions, wrote to David Thodey with proposals aimed at reaching agreement on the major outstanding EA matters.
On the basis of member consultations, including the recent Auspoll survey, the CEPU made it clear to Telstra that an improved pay offer was the key to any settlement.
This reflects the strong view expressed by members that there is no reasonable basis for Telstra EA employees to be paid less than those on ECAs and that EA employees should be compensated for the period since their last pay increase.
The unions also pointed to unresolved issues regarding delegate training and the participation of unions in induction sessions. The unions consider Telstra is being unreasonable in refusing to allow union participation in induction programmes.
The CEPU has also asked Telstra to clarify its position on a number of “machinery” issues which will have implications for both existing and potential members:
- Options for staff on expired or soon-to-be expired AWAs, ITEAs and ECAs to move onto any new Enterprise Agreement
- Telstra’s commitment to a joint review of the banding/classification system and to compliance with the current agreed system.
It is to be hoped that Telstra has at last got the message that its employees expect to be treated on equal terms and receive equal pay for equal work. If management accepts this basic principle the end to this long EA campaign could be in sight.
For more information, contact the CEPU via feedback@cepu.asn.au