OPTUS - FORCED ANNUAL LEAVE

Optus has refused to proactively take measures to stop managers pressing staff to take annual leave to meet the unlawful KPI. We cannot let members be bullied into taking leave when they do not want to take leave. This weekend we have filed an application in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) seeking that it deal with the dispute.
The FWC will convene a conciliation conference to hear details of the application. If the matter cannot be resolved in conciliation, we will ask the FWC to make binding orders to ensure your rights are protected.
If you wish to have a copy of the application, simply request the copy by return email.
If you wish to observe the conference, please also contact by return email.

OPTUS MEMBERS - VIP MESSAGE

Below you will see that EBA negotiations are about to begin. The outcome depends on our bargaining power. Bargaining power comes from members - and we need many more to ensure an improved EBA. We will soon seek your demands. For example, what pay increase do we need? (see below re Aus Post).
Spend some time talking to your fellow workers about joining you to improve our bargaining power.
An Application form to join us and details can be found here.

OPTUS EBA NEGOTIATIONS

The nominal expiry date of the Optus EBA is 22 April 2022. It will then remain in force until replaced. Optus has advised that it is ready to commence bargaining for a new EBA.
The EBA is the most important part of your employment contract as it covers not only your pay increases, but also many of your conditions. These are enforceable in the Courts and penalties apply if the EBA is breached.
See the current Optus EBA

CPI AND PAY RISES

The latest cost of living (CPI) increase of 3% raises concerns for unions as we negotiate for better pay increases for the next 3 years. This follows very poor pay rises in previous EBAs and big profits for many businesses. Even more interesting is USA where CPI exceeded 5% in the last quarter - although some see it as exceptional.

AUS POST PAY RISE AMENDMENT

The 3% CPI caused concern in Post where the annual increases are just that - 5%. We have now secured an undertaking from Post. Post has agreed that any future pay rises will not be less that the CPI on the preceding year. In other words, if the annual CPI rises by 3.2%, they your pay increase will also be 3.2%, not 3% as in the EBA.

AMPLITEL - TELSTRA STAFF TO TRANSFER

Telstra has made an application to the FWC to have the Telstra EBA and Award apply to the new corporation. We would support that position. Our Branch was only informed of this on Friday. We need to review the proposed employment contract and make some inquiries.
If you are transferring to Amplitel and need advice, our Branch can provide expert advice because of experience in other transfers. Contact us by email or phone.

AMPLITEL - APPLICATION EXTRACT

The Telstra application stated in part:

1. The Telstra Agreement and the Telstra Award presently cover Telstra Corporation Limited (TCL).

2. After an impending corporate restructure (originally announced on 12 November 2020), it is proposed that employees of TCL whose employment is covered by the Telstra Agreement and the Telstra Award will ultimately be employed by three different, related entities: Telstra Limited, Telstra InfraCo Limited (the renamed TCL) and Amplitel (collectively, Telstra).

3. The transfer of employees to Telstra Limited (where it is proposed that the vast majority of employees will be employed) is subject to approval of the restructure by TCL shareholders and the Federal Court, anticipated to occur in the first quarter of 2022. The transfer of employees to Amplitel is not subject to either Court or TCL shareholder approval of the restructure and will occur in December 2021.

4. In June 2021, TCL announced the sale of a 49% interest in its mobile tower business which will be operated by Amplitel. The sale completed on 1 September 2021.

See the most important parts of the application on our Amplitel Web Pages

USEFUL QUICK LINKS Transferring to Telstra subsidiaries Forced ARL Fact Sheet Forced LSL Fact Sheet Telstra EBA Notes

Superannuation Fact Sheet Optus EBA18 Post EBA9 0428 942 878 dan.dwyer@cwunion.net Dan Dwyer Secretary/Lawyer - industrial matters & advice 0447 365 433 reception@cwunion.net Administrative eg payments, applications, change of details

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