Telstra strike in Vic suspended

Date: 09 February 2009

Telstra strike in Victoria suspended because of bushfire tragedy, but to go ahead in rest of nation.

A 24 hour strike by Telstra workers tomorrow has been suspended in Victoria due to the appalling bushfire tragedy unfolding across the state, but will go ahead as planned in other states and territories.

The leadership of the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union and of the Community and Public Sector Union have decided to postpone all industrial action in Victoria to allow their members to repair essential telecommunications services damaged by the fires.

However, the 24 hour national stoppage - the first at Telstra for more than a decade - will proceed in other states.

"Due to the appalling fire tragedy unfolding in Victoria, and after a round of consultations this morning, the leadership of CEPU and CPSU have advised that they intend to suspend industrial action and call off public events in Victoria tomorrow," said ACTU Assistant Secretary Tim Lyons.

"This is in line with the traditional policy in relation to the protection of "life and limb" during industrial action.

"Our members play an important role in maintaining emergency services and public safety infrastructure and will be needed at work.

"Our members in Victoria believe that serving customers and restoring essential infrastructure are the main priority at this time, and will set aside their dispute with management in a spirit of co-operation."

Mr Lyons said industrial action and public events outside Victoria will continue as planned.

This includes a public event scheduled to take place outside the T [life] store in George Street in Sydney at midday tomorrow.

"Our members remain committed to winning a fair union agreement and the campaign will continue in Victoria in due course," Mr Lyons said.

"Workers at Telstra have not had a pay rise for almost 18 months.

"They want management to respect their rights to work and come to the negotiating table with their union representatives.

"Our members will seek to minimise any disruption, but have been forced into this action by management's intransigence."

The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU), Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia (APESMA) represent more than 8000 Telstra workers. In conjunction with the ACTU they are calling on Telstra management to re-enter negotiations over a new collective agreement and transition arrangements for staff on AWAs.

Australian Council of Trade Unions
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For further information

Contact:	Mark Phillips
Union:	ACTU
Contact Mobile:	0422 009 011
Email:	mphillips@actu.asn.au
WWW:	http://www.actu.asn.au/

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