Telstra announced job cuts ahead of EBA talks today. The CEO, Andy Penn informed employees this morning that there would be around 8,000 job losses over the next three years. He claimed that most would mainly come from middle and executive management levels.

This announcement has been received by the employees as another kick in the guts of a dedicated, skilled and highly motivated workforce. Members are concerned about their future and whether they will have a job in twelve months' time.

Telstra has confirmed to the Union that it will NOT be pursuing a reduction in redundancy benefits to all members as part of the current negotiations for a new EBA. This, of course is of little consolation for those still wanting a job.

The communications policy in Australia is a mess. The Turnbull government policy has created a less than fit for purpose NBN and has allowed Telstra to abandon its obligation to provide a viable and effective communications service.

The CWU noted the Telstra share price has taken a 5% drop since the announcement this morning. Obviously, the business community are not sold on this idea as normally with these type of announcements, by large corporations, the share price tends to go up in value.

Authorised by Alex Jansen State Secretary
CWU Telecommunications & Services Branch