CWU T&S WEEKLY BULLETIN NO 133
08-12-18
TELSTRA EBA 8 - BALLOT BACKFLIP
Our Divisional Office finally made an application for a protected action ballot. The Fair Work Commission (FWC) approved a ballot to commence on 17 December. See the Decision and Orders of 6 December. Then the Divisional Office had second thoughts. It wanted to postpone the ballot because of Xmas. On 8 Dec (2 days later) the Divisional Office advised that the ballot had been cancelled. We will seek a new ballot in January.
WHAT IS A PROTECTED ACTION BALLOT (PAB)
There is no right to strike in Australia. We must first apply to FWC for permission to have a strike or impose bans etc. After a hearing, FWC issues orders which set dates and the questions that are to be asked. See the Decision and Orders of 6 December. to get the detailed picture. There are traps along the way and bosses usually oppose the application in the FWC. Then 50% must vote. Once the ballot is declared successful, then we must give bosses 3 days notice so that the bosses can get anti-union workers to do the work. Then eventually we can impose bans or even strike, and negotiations re-commence seriously.
There must be a ballot of members to approve industrial action. There are two important factors
The biggest difficulty is getting members to vote so that 5)% participate.
While it does not appear to be widespread, the approach of Telstra to redundancies has reached a devastating low. We had two reports of members being phoned and told to stop work immediately and to go home as they don't have a job anymore. We are sure that the CEO will get a better time..
The Financial Review ran a story of interest this wee. It stated "Optus hired a male stripper to entertain staff at its office Christmas party in an event the company claims it was unaware of despite scrutiny of performers.Leaked videos of the telco's party at Sydney's The Star last year show a young man in sailor garb stripping down to just a shiny tassel covering his genitals before moving to sit on audience members' laps. The story goes on to say that there will be different arrangements this year.
Authorised by Dan Dwyer Branch Secretary
CWU Telecommunications & Services Branch, Leichhardt, NSW.
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