Rob Oakeshott backs Telstra fight

Date: 27 September 2010

The CPSU has warmly welcomed the support of regional independent MP Rob Oakeshott in the campaign to save 108 Telstra call-centre jobs in Grafton.

CPSU Assistant National Secretary, Louise Persse said: "It is fantastic to see Mr Oakeshott join with staff, unions, community groups, the Chamber of Commerce and local politicians from a wide range of parties to stand up for regional jobs.

"We agree with Mr Oakeshott that it makes no sense to centralise this work to Brisbane and Melbourne.

"Telstra's plan to close the Grafton call-centre is a slap in the face for the local community.

"But it is also a warning for other regional call-centres. If you applied the same logic Telstra is using to close Grafton, call-centres in Lismore, Bathurst, Townsville, Moe and Ballarat would also be wound up," said Ms Persse.

Telstra is understood to be making a final decision about the future of the call-centre tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Mr Oakeshott's involvement today will be a boost to the growing community campaign in support of Grafton call-centre jobs. Action so far includes:

• More 6000 local signatures for a petition organised by Federal Member for Page, Janelle Saffin (ALP)
• hundreds of people attended a rally in Grafton on Saturday
• local businesses closed their doors at 11am today in an act of solidarity with Grafton Telstra workers.
• A Facebook page has been set up and now has 1700 followers

The CPSU is now calling on Federal and State politicians from all parties to follow Mr Oakeshott's and Ms Saffin's lead and stand up for regional jobs.

"The new political paradigm is happening right here, right now in Grafton. Local politicians from a wide range of parties are working together to save jobs. It would great to see the same commitment to regional employment at the federal level," said Ms Persse.

For further information

Contact:	Louise Persse
Union:	CPSU Assistant National Secretary
Contact Mobile:	0408 346 917
WWW:	http://www.cpsu.org.au/

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