Telecommunications
CEPU meets with Telstra on EA
(19 March 2010) At the initiative of the CEPU, EA talks have resumed with Telstra. The Telstra unions met with the company on Friday 5 March.
EA negotiations came to a standstill late last year after Telstra indicated it would not match the pay received by ECA-based employees in its offer to EA staff. CEPU members have since made it clear – both in words and actions – that they regard the company’s stance as unacceptable.
This position was again put forcibly to management.
As reported in E-bulletin #3, the CEPU and other Telstra unions also flagged a number of other issues which they wanted clarified at the meeting, including mechanisms to deal with employees coming off ITEAs, AWAs and, eventually, ECAs and onto an Enterprise Agreement.
The CEPU sought a commitment to a joint review of the banding/ classification system, as well as clarification on the final arbitration clause.
It was agreed that the parties schedule further talks for the week commencing March 15.
A response from Telstra on the matters raised by the CEPU is expected when the parties meet again next week. Members will be kept informed of developments.
For more information, contact the CEPU via feedback@cepu.asn.au