Telstra staff say NO to ‘quick and dirty’ deal

Telstra call centre staff have rejected a management proposal to introduce a five year, non-union agreement. This is a very good outcome and reflects the hard work of many concerned CPSU members and activists in Telstra.

It demonstrates that despite enormous pressure from management, Telstra staff are prepared to stand up for a fairer deal.

The result reflects Telstra management’s failure to address the concerns Telstra workers – union and non-union – had about the proposed agreement. Ever since the proposed agreement was released Telstra workers made it clear they wanted to make an agreement that:

• covers all staff
• allows for direct union involvement in negotiations
• is shorter than 5 years.

Why such a rush?

The low guaranteed pay offer and the potential threat to their redundancy entitlements were also factors. Staff were also sceptical about Telstra’s decision to rush into the agreement 10 months early, and in the middle of a federal election where workplace rights are a key issue. Your union raised these concerns repeatedly on your behalf but Telstra management refused to listen.

What was the result of the ballot?

Curiously, Telstra management are refusing to release the figure from the ballot saying only that a “majority of voting employees voted against the Agreement so this Agreement will not proceed.”

Where to from here?

Telstra unions will be writing to Telstra management seeking commitment to an agreed timetable for a union agreement for all Telstra staff. Defeating this proposed agreement is just the first step to getting a better deal for Telstra workers.