Telstra Workers Lose Cup Day

Date: 05 November 2001

The CEPU have notified the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) over a dispute about the operation of the public holidays clause in the Telstra award.

The dispute is in relation to the Melbourne Cup holiday. For 26 years in Victoria the Melbourne Cup holiday has been observed by all employees as a public holiday.

Now Telstra are saying that the holiday should be Melbourne Cup Day for metropolitan employees or an alternative gazetted holiday for country employees.

Unfortunately, in 26 rural municipalities there are approximately 50 employees who will not receive a holiday with Melbourne Cup Day not being observed as a holiday and there being no alternative gazetted holiday.

The CEPU is seeking equity for all Telstra and NDC employees in Victoria.

At a preliminary hearing on Wednesday 31 October 2001 Telstra refused to move from its hardline position. Arbitration has been set down for 9 November 2001.

Any member not subject to the Melbourne Cup holiday or a local gazetted holiday and required to work by their manager will have the CEPU seeking retrospective payment at public holiday rates for the holiday.

For further information

Contact:	Ian Bryant
Union:	CEPU Victorian Branch
Contact Mobile:	0417 592627
WWW:	http://www.cepu.asn.au

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