CEPU : Connecting our community

Telecommunications

Don't fall for the stunt

(3 November, 2008): The CEPU has had a number of members contact it asking: "should I register my vote against Telstra's ECA?"

Before we get to the answer, let's run through some important points:

  • Remember - an ECA is a non-union deal.  And why doesn't Telstra want employee representatives involved in negotiating a new wage deal?
  • The register process is a stunt - it's not legitimate in our view
  • You can't introduce a workplace agreement by "registering interest"
  • Only a formal ballot, with a full copy of the agreement to be voted on, can bring in a new enterprise agreement
  • Telstra is using the process to map out where it might win a non-union deal - and where it will have to put in resources and pressure to get workers to support a non-union deal.

Telstra HR love playing these games.

Want the proof? - read this article from earlier in the year:

So treat Telstra HR in the same way it is treating your call for unions to represent you in wage talks - IGNORE THEM.

Keep their HR team in the dark and don't encourage this type of employee manipulation.

Don't register any interest at all in the ECA.

And here's a bit of advice that might raise some eyebrows:

Don't tell Telstra you will vote NO.

They're just using that information to plan what they need to do to get your vote.

The smart thing - and the best thing - for everyone is to get back to the table and negotiate an enterprise agreement that is a "win-win" for employees and the company.