Communication Workers Union

WHY DO COMPANIES LIKE TELSTRA “OFFSHORE” AUSTRALIAN JOBS

Call Centre jobs to the Philippines, IT jobs to India and many other examples. In Telstra’s case there are three main reasons why they choose to “offshore” Telstra workers’ jobs or otherwise contract out Telstra workers’ jobs:

1. As a continuation of their de-unionisation project.  This is in addition to their use of AWAs, ITEAs and ECAs.
2. To use offshore workers and contract workers as strike breakers. For example: Telstra is using Indian company WIPRO to perform some of the work of CEPU NGO members when they are out on strike. They use sub-contractors to do the work of some Telstra Field Tech members, when they are out on strike.
3. To cut costs and save money. For example: the following hourly rates of pay are the minimum rates paid in the following countries:

It must be pointed out that many companies in these countries don’t comply with the minimum legal rate and pay even less without much fear of prosecution.

What is it that stops Telstra management paying these rates in Australia?

The union, the law and the fact that the union can and will, enforce the law and continue to fight for decent wages and conditions.

In those third world countries above, unionism is weak and corruption is widespread.

We are currently in a battle with Telstra management over a decent wage increase. But to get around union wages and union conditions they will do almost anything if they are allowed to. As their offshoring and outsourcing demonstrates.

INDUSTRIAL ACTION REMINDER

All members are directed to continue to apply the overtime (paid or unpaid) and recall bans until further notice. If there are difficulties with applying these bans then members should contact the Branch to discuss the situation if you have not already done so.

No "life and limb" work should be undertaken until it is cleared with the Branch officials.

The overtime bans clearly include no unpaid overtime. That includes no logging on prior to your normal start time, particularly for those members in Service Delivery who are dispatched via CONNECT.

Stoppage action is continuing in selected areas. Members acting only after a directive from the Branch in key areas.

Contact the branch officials as necessary.

OVERTIME (PAID AND UNPAID) INDUSTRIAL BAN

Overtime is defined as any time outside of your standard working day. That means, if you have a certain paid start time (say 8am), any work done before that is OVERTIME, and in a lot of cases, it is UNPAID OVERTIME. We believe the current overtime bans are a particularly powerful form of action, at no additional cost to the members (aside from missing out on any paid overtime), and provide even more pressure to Telstra where UNPAID overtime is involved.

If you happen to be in an area where there is a requirement for work to be done prior to the start of the paid day, this is clearly overtime (it can be non-continuous – eg 1 am cutovers that last 3 or 4 hrs, or O/T that continues into the normal start time). This also includes various “logging on” arrangements prior to the normal “start of day” (which is unpaid). For instance, in call centres, Telstra try and have staff in a “ready” situation (i.e. logged in ready to take calls) prior to the paid start time. There are plenty of opportunities and actions for CEPU members to help progress their EBA claims by banning unpaid overtime.

To Implement These Legally Protected O/T Bans Relating To “Logging On”, Our Instructions Are Simple And Easy:
Commence “Logging on” at the normal “paid” start time – “on the dot”. Do not do any unpaid work (including driving the Telstra provided vehicle) outside of the normal start time paid hours of work. Given the surveillance that occurs via key stroke monitoring or GPS data logging, it is important to have the “system” recognize you are commencing log on. (e.g when you put the key in the ignition to commence log on (the GPS monitors and records this), or when you fire up the computer/TuffBook (keystroke monitoring).

WELFARE FUND

Members who are not involved in the key area action, should donate to the CEPU Member Welfare Fund to help sustain those members who are out on strike for extended periods in the key areas.

The details of the welfare fund payment process are as follows:
Direct debit through your financial institution or EFT to: CEPU Welfare Fund. BSB: 063262 Ac No: 10454772
Cheque or money order made out to CEPU Welfare Fund and posted to: CEPU Welfare Fund, 1/139 Queensberry Street, Carlton South 3053.
Credit Card over the phone to the Branch - 03 9349 4411

There is no BPAY facility

To Apply To Claim On The Fund
If you wish to make a claim to help with any hardship being experienced, please contact JOHN ELLERY Branch Assistant Secretary, in the first instance: 0419 823 580

LEN COOPER
CEPU Branch Secretary/Divisional President
M. 0438 389 302

JOHN ELLERY
CEPU Branch Assistant Secretary
M. 0419 823 580