Communication Workers Union

Following formal notification of a dispute regarding a number of alleged deficient Form A’s that have been recently provided by Network Construction to the CEPU, a  follow up phone conference with NSW and Victorian branch officials was held today (Mon 16^th August) with senior Network Construction HR representatives.

It is our view that the justification of the redundancies is not legitimate, and as such, the redundancy notifications (Form A’s) should be re-issued, with reasons for the redundancies based on matters of actual current reductions in work (if that is the case), rather than arguing that the redundancies are based on “future projections” (which is what Net Construction are arguing). Clearly, projections are just that, and if Telstra attempts to argue the loss of current jobs on “future projections”, then no job is safe.

Clause 3.2 of the current Redundancy Agreement clearly identifies that redundancies occur when work of a particular kind has ceased or has significantly reduced. In accordance with that Agreement, CEPU initially raised these same issues with Net Construction HR some 2 weeks ago, as part of the consultation process.

Whilst we are aware of a number of Net Construction staff who are willing to “volunteer” for a forced redundancy in the current circumstances, there are a number of issues that arise if the redundancy is not “bona fide”, or based on genuine and justifiable reasons. On this basis, it is important that Telstra “get it right” when they justify the job losses. Otherwise, it’s just a free for all

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