LATE NEWS - SOME INDUSTRIAL ACTION SUSPENDED
See below and always watch our web page for developments. See the Current EBA Action

TALKS MAY RESUME WITH TELSTRA
Telstra has indicated in a letter last Thursday that they would be willing to resume discussions should the CEPU suspend "indefinite action". As this is a shift in their position, we have decided to use the opportunity to recommence EBA talks. As a result some industrial action will be suspended. While there are no guarantees, we hope we are not being misled. Obviously, if no early progress is made, then we would reconsider our position. The Telstra letter stated (in Part):

As you will recall, Telstra was willing to convene a meeting in late February with a view to constructively looking at options to break the current impasse. Since that time, the CEPU has notified on an ongoing basis industrial action of an indefinite (or periodic) nature. This is a matter for the CEPU (and SBU), but it means that our focus remains on ensuring that there are no impacts to customers during the relevant notice periods, consistent with Fair Work laws. However, Telstra remains open to discussions with the CEPU and SBU should circumstances change, such as a suspension of indefinite action for a period of time.

SUSPENSION OF MOST INDUSTRIAL ACTION - SUMMARY
We currently have 6 types of industrial action in force. We have suspended some. See the Current EBA Action. Here is a summary:
+ Periodic Stoppages (Promise) till Tue 30 Apr - remain in force
+ Essential Customer Servicing - suspended from 12.01am Thu 25 Apr
+ Emergency Work - suspended from 12.01am Thu 25 Apr
+ Additional Hours - suspended from 12.01am Thu 25 Apr
+ Receiving stores at home - suspended from 12.01am Thu 25 Apr
+ GOC Bans till 26 April - remain in force

DON'T MENTION THE WAR
The bans have been affecting some major works and services in Telstra. This is particularly so with cutovers, wideband and Optical Fibre. The bans have not affected all members. For others, they have given up significant overtime and are to be commended for their solidarity. Telstra does not publicly admit the effects of the bans and stoppages. However members have reported that they have to lie about the cause of outages - they have been directed to say staff are "not available" and are definitely not to use the words "Industrial action". We can see them telling the CEO Andy one strike Penn: "It's only a flesh wound!"

VIP - CONTACTING US - NEW PHONE NUMBER
Please note the following changes as we simplify our phone numbers
0428 942 878 dan.dwyer@cwunion.net Dan Dwyer Secretary/Lawyer - for industrial matters & advice
0428 942 878 reception@cwunion.net Administrative eg payments, applications, change of details

Authorised by Dan Dwyer Branch Secretary
CWU Telecommunications & Services Branch, Leichhardt, NSW.