CWU News - Communications Union

TECHNICAL AND SERVICES BRANCH WEEKLY BULLETIN 2022

Number 4 06 February 2022

E000 - ANOTHER POSITIVE TEST

Late Bulletin we reported that since mid December, nearly half the staff at E000 had returned a positive test. Members advise that since the report on Tuesday another staff member who was at work for some hours, also tested positive. The details were provided by Telstra after we threatened to take the matter to the FWC. Telstra offered a visit and I will attend the centre at 363 Oxford St Paddington on Monday at 11am.

E000 WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIMS

It seems certain that a number of E000 staff caught Covid at work. This is apparent from the number of cases detected in a short time from mid December. We advise any staff member who contacted Covid in this period to lodge a Worker's Compensation claim. If the claim is upheld, then sick leave will be recredited and your salary will be adjusted to Average weekly earnings (includes shift penalties and overtime). Please call me if you wish to discuss a claim.

E000 OUR RESPONSE

Telstra gave us a long response and a table with details of 26 recent positive tests. We responded as follows:

Thank you for your responses. I have shared your response with members. They reject many off your statements.
1 Separation - There are a number of issues arising from your interpretation of separation.
2. Cleaning - Staff are adamant that the cleaning that you allege has not been taking place. The cleaning was totally inadequate.
3. Notice - No staff member reported that they were notified - even when they worked shifts at the same time as one who tested positive.
It is very obvious that your systems have failed. There was an obvious outbreak in the last 2 months, and one can only conclude that it was covered up.
Management knew there was an outbreak. Staff didn't. Staff were not warned. Now that they have seen the details, they would have taken even greater measures to avoid being infected, and more importantly, taking the infection home.
I do wish to undertake a site visit. Can I suggest next Monday at 10am or 11am?
Further can we have someone from NSW Health attend so that we can get some expert advice?

TPG DRAFT EBA RELEASED

TPG has released a draft EBA to the union and a number of employees. We understand that all staff will receive a copy this week. The EBA as it stands is not acceptable. Further it has introduced complexities which leave your conditions vague and ambiguous. No pay rise is guaranteed.

TPG EBA - YOUR SUPPORT NECESSARY

Negotiations will start in a week or two. These will be difficult and the outcome will depend entirely on our bargaining power. We will be arranging a Zoom hook-up this week on Thursday at 6pm. I will send the log in details to all those who register with us. All are welcome. To register, simply send me an email with your private email address.

CONTACT US IN NSW

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

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CONTACT US IN VIC

0439 762 455 SRiley@cwu.asn.au Sue Riley
Secretary - industrial matters & advice

03 9663 6815 cdtsvic@cwu.asn.au Administrative
eg payments, applications, change of details

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Authorised by Dan Dwyer NSW Secretary, Sue Riley Vic Secretary - CWU Telecommunications & Services Branches.

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