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SLD 10/199 - TELSTRA EA BALLOT PROBLEMS

The CEPU following representations from members, had discussions with Telstra regarding apparent difficulties with the Telstra EA ballot. The following letter summarises the basis of the views put to Telstra regarding those problems.

TELSTRA EA BALLOT - MULTIPLE VOTING AND AN APPARENT VOTE "YES" DEFAULT OPTION

To formalise our earlier discussion by telephone following the Telecom Council telephone conference of the CEPU.

  • As Telstra is aware it has been our preference (and it remains so) that the EA ballot should be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission as a postal ballot. Under those conditions it is unlikely that similar problems would occur. As you know union ballots, including strike ballots, are required to be conducted buy the AEC.

  • It is the CEPU view that the current EA ballot cannot continue on its current course because of the problems that have emerged (multiple voting and an apparent  "default" option of voting yes.

  • What Telstra does to correct the current situation is really their business given that this is an employer conducted ballot as per industrial law.

  • CEPU's view is if there is going to be restart of the ballot at 9PM, 2 September 2010, as Telstra is proposing, then it should be a complete restart, rather than accepting the current valid votes so far and only restarting for people who haven't voted.

  • That if Telstra chooses their apparent preferred option to continue to accept the current valid votes submitted prior to the restart, and to email the people who multiple voted to ascertain their actual preference, then these votes should be set aside to be able to be considered by the scrutineers at ballot count time.

We hope that this clarifies the position.

 

The CEPU continues to monitor the situation. Any further problems should be notified to this office and Telstra direct.

FURTHER EA BALLOT PROBLEMS

We have been made aware of further apparent EA ballot problems arising from Telstra’s “restart” of the ballot overnight. The following representation to Corporate HR has been made:

TELSTRA EA BALLOT PROBLEMS

It appears from feedback that Telstra proceeded with their restart option last night (Thursday 2nd September).

Early feedback indicates an additional problem now. That is, apparently voters are receiving an email acknowledgement of their vote and how they voted. This appears to directly contradict the principle of a secret ballot, given that the email acknowledgment will be recorded on the Telstra system.

Could you please clarify or confirm.

 

THOUSAND DOLLAR CUSTOMER SERVICE IMPROVEMENT BONUS.

Members are obviously aware that Telstra is currently paying a bonus to employees on the basis that supposedly the customer service improvement “needle” is moving in the right direction.

Members are making us aware that for a range of reasons many members are getting paid less than the $1000. This appears to be contrary to the original undertaking of $1000 for each employee if the customer improvement “needle” moves in the right direction.

We are currently seeking talks with Telstra on the matter.

LEN COOPER
CEPU (T&S) Vic
Branch Secretary
M. 0438 389 302

JOHN ELLERY
CEPU (T&S) Vic
Br Assist Secretary
M. 0419 823 580

JOAN DOYLE
CWU (P&T) Vic
Branch Secretary
M. 0419 345 134

VAL BUTLER
CWU (P&T) Vic
Organiser
M. 0408 766 444

 

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