Sacked Telstra mum wins job back

Date: 02 September 2003

Stephen Jones, CPSU Communications

Anne-Marie, the Melbourne mum who was made redundant by Telstra within hours of returning to work from maternity leave, has won a job back. Her story made national headlines when, with CPSU help, she took on Telstra's unfair decision.

Hundreds of people, across the union movement and the general community, joined the CPSU campaign to demand that Anne-Marie be reinstated. As a result of this pressure, Telstra is at last doing the right thing and Anne-Marie will return to work this week.

Anne Marie, a 29-year-old mother of two, said "I'm ecstatic that I'm going back. I'm rapt that I've still got a job there. I'm really looking forward to it. I've still got skills and value to add to the company." Anne-Marie was very grateful for the hundreds of messages of support she received. She said the e-mails, faxes and calls "cheered me up at a time I was really low".

Anne-Marie is also delighted with the support she got from her union. "When I first approached the CPSU about this, I felt that I was sinking. But if I had not gone to the union I would not be going back to work. My CPSU reps were adamant about what my rights were and that I should follow it through. They did a great job. Their support and knowledge has been unbelievable," Anne-Marie said.

The CPSU's Stephen Jones applauds Anne-Marie for speaking out. "It shows what can be achieved when individuals, supported by the union, stand up for their rights. I'm glad to see that Telstra were wise enough to see the error of their ways. This case highlights the great difficulties many parents face in trying to balance their work and home life. Until workplace regulations and government policy meet the standard required by modern families, the CPSU and other unions will continue to fight for a better deal," he said.

The CPSU is still pursuing further equity and procedural matters, and a proper apology, relating to case. But for now the union offers hearty congratulations to Anne-Marie and her family for sticking to their guns.

For further information

Contact:	Dermott Browne
Union:	CPSU - media officer
Phone:	0408 265 081

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