TECHNICAL AND SERVICES BRANCH WEEKLY BULLETIN 2023
Number
23
2 July 2023
YOUR HELP WITH OUR SURVEY - TELSTRA RECALL
We keep receiving reports of issues with Emergency Recall. We wish to how many members have trouble claiming payment. The relevant extracts from the EBA are:
69. Emergency Work
69.1. We may require an employee to perform work beyond their ordinary hours in emergency situations. However, this clause does not apply if we provide you with notice during ordinary work hours that we require you to work additional hours.
69.2. If we do not provide notice of the requirement to perform emergency work to the employee during ordinary work hours, we will pay employees at the rate of 200% ...work includes necessary travel time to and from work..
69.4. Emergency work does not apply where we change the time when you start your ordinary hours work to meet an emergency.
SURVEY QUESTIONS
Please reply by return email:
Tell us if you have had any problems claiming Emergency Work
TELSTRA ISSUES
Our Divisional office tells us after the event that they met with Telstra and discussed these topics. They gave us no reports nor outcomes nor any details.
Changes to payroll system (sapphire).
Pitt remediation and removal. SA trial.
Working from heights. Training and recruitment.
Driver safety reporting.
Land cruiser wheel stud issues.
Tech to store trial.
My Day to replace promise despatch system.
Job family remuneration review April 23.
Recruitment of new roles, 27 new roles, 25 trainees
JULY 1 - ANNUAL INCREASES
Many increases in costs and benefits occur on 1 July. The Fair Work Commission granted an 8.6% increase for those on the minimum wage and 5.57% for those on award wage. These increases do not apply to members on EBA where other rates are set out. The Superannuation Guarantee will increase from 10.5% to 11% as part of an annual 0.5% rise to reach 12% in 2025.
TELSTRA REMOTE LOCALITY CHANGES
Telstra has advised of changes to the Remote Locality Package Changes policy. We will meet this week to hear details. Telstra said:
Telstra has made an initial decision to introduce changes to remote locality packages provided to our field technicians performing duties in remote areas around Australia. Based on feedback received that the existing remote locality package policy is not reflective of the impacts of living in remote locations, the business has reviewed the policy and is proposing improvements to the package to make it more consistent and streamlined.
Proposed updates to the policy include adjusting the methodology used for grading localities based on key factors, such as remoteness, population, temperature and access to air services, and changes to how district allowances are calculated.
Telstra proposes the changes to the policy be implemented in July 2023, with changes from an annual payment to a fortnightly allowance.
There are approximately 92 employees in regional field services that are currently receiving remote locality packages under this policy. Importantly, no existing employees will have their locality payments reduced as a result of the proposed changes. Consultation
OPTUS REDUNDANCIES
Optus advised of more cuts. Their letter stated:
This letter sets out some changes across Optus Enterprise and Business.
As part of the ongoing alignment to our new Go To Market operating model, we are now embarking on structural shifts within our Product Development & Management teams and some further changes in Delivery and Sales Operations.
As a result of these changes, there are 45 positions affected, with 27 in NSW, 6 in Vic, 4 in the ACT, 4 in SA, 3 in Qld and 1 in WA.
15 of these roles are covered by the Optus Employment Partnership Agreement.
Authorised by Dan Dwyer Assistant Secretary, Sue Riley Secretary
- CWU Telecommunications & Services Branches.
