Telstra staff action next Tuesday

Date: 11 December 2008

CPSU and CEPU members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking 'protected industrial action' to win a union collective agreement with Telstra. And they need your support.

CPSU members will take action in the form of a 4-hour stoppage before each members' usual starting time on Tuesday morning.

"The purpose of this limited protected industrial action is to highlight Telstra management's failure to make an agreement - not to inconvenience Telstra's long-suffering customers," CPSU National President Louise Persse said.

" To beat expected delays, we would strongly advise customers to avoid dealing with on Tuesday morning.

"Telstra staff are taking this action because they are 'over' being bullied and ignored by Telstra management. Despite having more than 12 months to get their act together, Telstra management have failed to listen to their own employees and negotiate a union collective agreement.

Standing up to a bully

Sometimes you have to stand up to bullies.

"New industrial laws are coming, and Telstra really needs to change its approach to reflect the new environment.

"The smart thing for Telstra management to do now would be to give up its pointless crusade against making a union agreement, and focus on making a decent deal that provides better pay and conditions for staff, and better productivity for the company.

"What staff want is not unreasonable. The right to have your union help negotiate your pay and conditions is not unreasonable - it should be something beyond dispute in a civilised Western democracy.

"We are urging all eligible CPSU members to get behind this action and show Telstra management their behaviour is unacceptable," said Ms Persse.

What you can do

• Use this action form to send a message of support to Telstra staff and/or a message of concern to Telstra management

• Where possible, avoid any dealings with Telstra on Tuesday

Information for Telstra employees

If you are on a current AWA, you are not eligible to take part directly. However, we will be organising support activities in many locations that you can take part in with your colleagues.

A detailed Question and Answer document about taking protected industiral action is attached. If you have any further questions or concerns, we are here to help. Please speak to your delegate, your local CPSU organiser, or call the CPSU Member Service Centre on 1300 137 636.

For further information

Contact:	Louise Persse
Union:	CPSU National President
Phone:	1300 137 636
WWW:	http://www.cpsu.org.au

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