UNFAIR DISMISSAL

Our delegate in Triple Zero Sydney, Shona Webby, has been terminated for what we believe are unfounded allegations. We advise members in the area that we have filed an unfair dismissal application in the Fair Work Commission and will support Shona. We may be limited in reporting progress as often these matters end in a confidential settlement.

OPTICAL FIBRE CASE OPEN ZOOM HOOK-UP

You are invited to join us on ZOOM to discuss the outcome of the case and to discuss how we will develop a claim seeking permanent upgrades and backpay. We can also discuss progress with the Job Description review.
The meeting will be at 7.00 PM on MONDAY 3 MARCH. Join the meeting [see email link]

OPTICAL FIBRE CASE NEXT STEPS

The optical fibre case will finish on Wed 26 Feb in Melbourne (yes the upgrading case is not complete the very last issue is the fine that Telstra will pay for underpaying Jayawardana).
Where to now? I am getting many calls from members who should also be considered for upgrading. I have been holding back pending the completion of the case. You will see in these bulletins that I have also been busy running cases against other employers Optus, NBN, Nokia, Telstra, TZV(2).
Telstra has unilaterally upgraded a number of CFW4 members to CFW5 because of our win. But we do not know what criteria they are using. It's time to start resolving those matters.
- We will hold an open Zoom meeting to explain the decision and the rights of members.
- We will create a list of those seeking permanent CFW5 and CFW7 upgrades
- We then need to gather and assess details eg your work, date for a backpay claim (max 6 years)
- We will then make a claim on Telstra for permanent upgrades and backpay. More next week.

NOKIA MONTHLY PAY

Confidential conciliation took place last week with no result. We will resume in a week or two. Discussions are continuing.

OPTUS SHIFT CASE

We cannot report on any progress as conciliation will resume in a few weeks. In the meantime, we are discussing several factual matters.

OPTUS EBA GOING TO VOTE

We have concluded EBA negotiations with Optus and achieved some improvements. Minimum rates of pay will be increased by CPI, but this may not assist as many are paid above the minimum rates. We are still very unhappy with the pay system as there is no guarantee of an increase in your actual pay. Further the method of pay setting is impossible to understand. You will be asked to vote for the new EBA in the next 2 weeks.
As our union membership in Optus remains fairly low, our bargaining power is also reduced. A NO vote would help but nothing beats stronger membership.

UNION MEMBERSHIP GROWING - ACTU

In case you missed it: recent data show that union membership has gone up by 12.3% in the past two years! More workers are realising that joining your union is the best decision you can make for your working life (and beyond).
Here are five of the top benefits of joining your union
1. Higher pay - The median weekly earnings of union members is $251 higher than non-members.
2. Better conditions & entitlements - Leverage collective strength and support to secure better terms than you could achieve on your own.
3. Stronger job security - Casual workers in particular have also seen significant improvements in job security due to union members winning big changes to laws around casual employment.
4. Better work-life balance - Achieve a more positive working life with fairer working hours, paid leave, flexible working arrangements and most recently, the right to disconnect from work.
5. Someone on your side always. Being part of a union means you always have access to support, information, representation and legal advice. You're never alone when you're a union member.
Psst... a bonus benefit - Did you know that membership fees are tax deductible?