Communication Workers Union

As reported previously, the CEPU is in dispute with Telstra regarding the clauses within the EBA which purportedly allow for the purchase of extra annual leave.

Because Telstra policy placed/places an application deadline on the purchase, it in effect means that the purchase of extra annual leave clauses in the EBA are denied to EBA employees until the second year of the agreement.

The CEPU notified a dispute in Fair Work Australia (FWA) following the failure of negotiations on the matter at the various levels of Telstra Management.

The matter was conciliated before Fair Work Australia, without success or resolution. The CEPU has asked for the matter to be arbitrated and decided upon by FWA.

Telstra is trying various legal manoeuvres to prevent the matter from being arbitrated within a practicable time frame, however the CEPU is arguing that arbitration should proceed.

MEMBERS STATE CONFERENCE OF THE CEPU

We are organising a state conference:

The conference is being organised for members to discuss what we should be doing in the following areas of significance and other issues.

• The National Broadband Network rollout and particularly the issues of future jobs, conditions of employment and training and retraining.

• Your next enterprise bargaining agreements – what needs to be done, the preparation, and what needs to be in them.

• The rebuilding of unionism in telecommunications and along with that the better protection and improvement of pay, conditions and rights at work.

• The building of closer links to other unionists and workers in other industries and other countries in the interests of mutual protection and advancement.

• What needs to be done to improve the union in Victoria and at the National level.

You can see that these topics and issues are vital to our future wellbeing and that of our families. This is an important conference.

The conference will be held:

FRIDAY EVENING 13^TH MAY 2011 – 7pm to 9pm and
SATURDAY 14^TH MAY 2011 , 9am to 4pm.

Please notify the Branch if you wish to take part by sending us an email: cdtsvic@victs.cepu.asn.au or fax: 9349 3488 or phone 9349 4411

You will also hear from unionists from other industries and other countries to help inform our wider understanding.

AMBASSADOR CARD

Are you using your Ambassador Card (your union membership card)? There are many discounted offers available to CEPU members on the website: www.ambassadorcard.com.au Make sure you register online for the E-news which will keep you informed of all the latest offers – there are a lot of savings to be made, so check it out regularly.

Some of the current offers are: