Telecommunications
(23 December, 2008): Thousands of members from across Australia responded magnificently to the industrial action campaign in support of a union negotiated agreement with Telstra.
From Perth to Brisbane employees resoundingly backed the union’s campaign on behalf of members.
The CEPU and members had three key objectives for December:
- Secure your OK to industrial action – that was reached with over 90% of members agreeing to the proposed action. ACHIEVED
- Meet the legal requirement set by WorkChoices to undertake all industrial action – as endorsed by the ballot – within 30 days of the ballot … and do it in a way that would position us for further action in the New Year. ACHIEVED
- Build a campaign that did not impact adversely on the public but sent a powerful demonstration to Telstra of your importance and value to the company’s operations. ACHIEVED
This last objective was critical – because it justified your efforts. The impact of our action was widespread, with Telstra reminded of how important you are to its profitability and productivity.
Telstra’s saying the action had no impact … of course they would. Make no mistake: the high level of membership involvement in the strikes and bans has made an impact and managers know it:
- Significant jumps in delays to installation and maintenance activity.
- Major system failure in areas such as transmission and data that went unfixed during the bans and strikes, impacting on major business and e-commerce processes.
- Faults have more than doubled since last weekend’s recall/overtime bans. There are reports that Telstra is attempting to circumvent the industrial action by the use of unsupervised trainees.
- The CEPU has acted responsibly to ensure public safety is maintained, especially with life and limb situations. However, members need to be cautious that management do not claim life and limb applies in all situations. If in doubt, contact your local union office.
From the CEPU: A big thank you!
We appreciate that for many members this is a different industrial action campaign to what has been traditionally undertaken.
It is like this because the laws have changed; we have an employer that has bragged it won’t be affected by a 1 or 2 day action; and, we want a campaign that will be targeted and strategic – with some people taking action at one point, and then others following up later. Watch video here...
We thank members for appreciating this approach – and supporting it so overwhelmingly.
All this action is designed with one thing in mind: securing a union collective agreement that rewards you well with a solid pay outcome and better conditions.
We remain committed and open to talks with Telstra and we hope that the new year brings us all back to the table to get an agreement sorted.
Best wishes to you, your family and friends for a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.
Have a view? Let us know what you think via feedback@cepu.asn.au