Communication Workers Union

Further discussions have taken place with Telstra. Telstra is sticking to its recent “final” offer on pay (2% + 2% + 2% + 2%) over two years.

The union has put in another alternative claim to try and ensure the matching of pay rates between the EBA and the ECAs.

The union requested a copy of any draft EBA Telstra may have, and the CEPU received that late on Friday, 16^th April 2010.

The union is examining the document and has so far indentified several areas/problems that need further discussion, apart from the major issue of pay.

The national body of the Communications Division is considering the current situation. More information will be provided shortly.

In the meantime, the union is continuing its activity to achieve a better offer.

• Overtime and recall bans continue.
• Further stoppage action is being organised.
• A mass meeting is being organised.
• Various activities around a corporate exposure campaign are being implemented.

MASS MEETING/CORPORATE CAMPAIGN

* CEPU MEMBERS’ MASS MEETING & T LIFE SHOP PROTEST

A mass meeting for CEPU members in Telstra (employed on the EBA and expired AWAs), is called as follows:

A MASS MEETING, OPEN TO ALL CEPU MEMBERS (ON THE EBA OR EXPIRED AWAS), is called for 11 AM on WEDNESDAY 5^th MAY 2010, at the VICTORIAN TRADES HALL COUNCIL, 54 LYGON ST, CARLTON SOUTH in the TRADES HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER

Members will stop work at 10.00AM for an indefinite stoppage on that day (Wed 5^th May 2010), to attend the mass meeting, followed by a protest meeting outside the Telstra T Life shop in the Melbourne CBD.

*  T LIFE SHOP PROTEST

Following the completion of the 5^th May mass meeting members will march down to the Telstra T Life shop in Melbourne, on the corner of Bourke and Swanston Sts.

The T Life shop protest will advise customers and potential customers to “read before they buy”, (suitable handouts for the public will be distributed).

The protest will be supported by other unionists (some of whom are Telstra customers), and will feature some important speakers.

*   REGIONAL AREAS

Arrangements will be made to enable members in regional areas to be involved in the mass meeting.

LEN COOPER                           JOHN ELLERY              JOAN DOYLE               VAL BUTLER
Branch Secretary                       Br Asst Sectary             Branch Secretary           Industrial Organiser
M. 0438 389 302                        M. 0419 823 580            M. 0419 345 134            M. 0408 766 444