• nbn maintains that this is an appropriate industrial instrument that is fit for purpose for the evolving FE role. Importantly, it ensures that FEs get appropriate entitlements for the work that they perform.
• As a result of EA coverage, FEs would also participate in bargaining for a new EA.
• Based on the duties of the evolved FE role now and into the future, the FE role is classified at Band 3.
• In recognition of the FEs skillset, nbn commits that:
• 1. The development of tiered progression and career pathway across Field Services. This will be formulated by the EOFY;
• 2. A minimum $109,000 TFR for all FEs; and
• 3. Salary maintenance for all FEs. That is, the top of the classification band is not a ceiling for FEs. Instead, any future bargained increase would also apply to these employees.

• It is confusing and not simple.
• SOD and EOD has been applied inconsistently across the regions.
• Employees should be compensated at a higher rate for weekend travel given the impact on lifestyle.
• There has been confusion regarding the application on how travel is treated when an employee in "on-call".

• nbn will implement a uniform 30 min unpaid commute for SOD and EOD.
• Outside of SOD and EOD 30-minute unpaid commute time, all other time is "work" time. That is, the nbn EA travel allowance will no longer apply for Field Services employees with a Tool of Trade Vehicle.
• We have confirmed with employees the intention to apply overtime rates to all travel time associated with a call out when an employee is on call. There is no SOD or EOD application to on-call travel (i.e. all time travelled is paid).
• Any travel required at weekends will be paid at weekend work rates.

• Employees will be worse off because of the on-call provision.
• The on-call allowance favours those on a higher TFR.
• The view that they must "catch up" in the year through performing on-call duties.
• TOIL should remain for public holidays (i.e. TOIL plus the standby rate and PH rates).

• nbn proposes the on-call provisions of the EA noting:
• It is fit for purpose as the provisions ensure that it compensates for both (1) being on call and (2) for the performance of work. This is a more equitable and accurate application as a result.
• Employees receive overtime rates for time travelled whilst performing the on-call work. For those travelling long distances, this is a generous application and reflects the work performed.
• The practice of TOIL in addition to On-call payments will no longer apply for working holiday times.
• Commit to a one off "top up payment" the year following implementation. This would look at overall earnings from one year to another year with requirement for employees to be available for on-call, overtime, and scheduled night work.

• There have been concerns expressed that employees will be required to work consistent / regular night shifts and the on-call roster will change.
• Employees have expressed that they want to either do Scheduled Night Work or On-call, not both.
• There have been concerns that there is no visibility on future rosters.

• Consistently during consultation, nbn has confirmed its intention that there are limited changes to rosters and no intention to do regular night shifts. That is, employees are not shift workers.
• This week, leaders are meeting with FEs to reconfirm this position and share anticipated rosters for on-call, and anticipated Night work Volumes.
• We reconfirm that a part of the purpose of this change is to future proof the FE role, anticipating securing additional project work. That is why employees have been asked to express their interest. The alternative is that this work would continue to be performed by Delivery Partners.
• This essential work is often only able to be performed at night. If this occurs, then night work may increase occasionally.
• As outlined, we will seek volunteers for this work. Employees won't be forced to do the work and contracts can reflect this.

NBN RESPONSE TO ISSUES - 5 APR 24

Finally we stated that there was insufficient time for genuine consultation

NBN FIELD ENGINEERS

We held a well attended meeting with members and others last Wednesday evening and answered a number of questions. We identified a number of issues to pursue.

• We (and other Branches of CWU) then met with NBN on Friday morning to discuss the issues raised by Field Engineers. There was a lot of general discussion to commence.
• NBN deny that redundancy is a threat to get FEs to sign a new common law contract. We pointed out that their FAQ paper says that is an option if you do not sign.
• NBN says classifications start at EBA Band 3 despite the fact that Band 3 says "Network Engineer (non field operations)".
• Our list of issues are set out in the next item. Another issue raised was need to see draft rosters for work and on call.
• NBN advised that the easiest option is to do nothing. (Editor note: Is it too late? The genie is out of the bottle)
• Clearly more time is needed and so is a relook at the whole proposal. We are awaiting responses in writing from NBN.