TELSTRA OPTICAL FIBRE MEMBER'S CLAIM

Telstra has responded to our general claim for upgrading of Optical Fibre members following the Court's decision in the Jayawardana Case. Telstra state:

As the CWU appreciates, our Workstream roles are classified by reference to a set of Core Job Descriptions (CJDs), which are incorporated into Telstra's enterprise agreements.So, the simple answer to your request it is these CJDs that are the basis for classifying Workstream roles at Telstra.
As part of our continuing 'without prejudice' discussions, we have also shared proposed drafts of new field-based core job descriptions that are intended to set out, in a contemporary way, some of the important customer work performed by our field team. The next meeting is on Monday and I look forward to further constructive discussions with CWU leads.
Ultimately, should we reach agreement with the CWU on the content of new core jobs, the EAs provide that the Hay Methodology will be used to evaluate and classify the core jobs.

TELSTRA OPTICAL FIBRE MEMBER'S CLAIM ZOOM MEETING

The Telstra response ignores the request by the Union for their criteria for upgrading staff to CFW5. Their criteria was applied to more than 30 staff recently as they were upgraded and offered some backpay. Not all staff accepted the offer. The Union as a whole will consider the next step. Our claim remains the same - upgrades, backpay, interest, super and penalties. We have about 30 members registered with our Branch.
We will hold a Zoom meeting shortly to give those interested with an opportunity to discuss the claim progress and ask any questions. Watch for the notice in the next Bulletin.

NBN START OF DAY CLAIM ZOOM MEETING

The case is progressing slowly in the Court as preliminary legal questions are addressed. Once these are resolved, we will get to the actual merits of the claim.
We will hold a Zoom meeting shortly to give those interested with an opportunity to discuss the Court case and claim. It will also give you an opportunity to discuss ask any questions. Watch for the notice in the next Bulletin.

TZV UNIFORMS CASE

Our dispute about the wearing of uniforms on weekends has been delayed again. The Commissioner has vacated the hearing on 20 August and we need to find an alternative date. In the meantime, the status quo provision in the EBA applies. You may wear casual clothes on week-ends. The formal position follows.

TZV UNIFORMS -STATUS QUO

The relevant extract from Section 59 of the TZV 2024 Agreement states:
59 Uniform: 59.1 Employees must, whilst on duty (other than on approved casual clothes days), dress in the TZV uniform and display on their person their photo identification as provided by TZV.

Uniforms are covered in one policy titled "Control Room Protocols". The protocol states:
Casual clothes days are :-
THO - 1800 Fridays to 0600 Mondays inclusive
WTC - 1900 Fridays to 0700 Mondays inclusive
BAL - 1900 Fridays to 0700 Mondays inclusive

OPTUS SHIFT HANDOVER OVERTIME

We have previously sought payment for shift handover time. Optus has now completed its full review of shift 15 minute handover times and will now pay for any shift handover times.
Optus began paying the time for overtime at overtime rates since 3 February 2024. The payment is at the appropriate overtime rates. In addition Optus will pay the backpay (back from 3 February 2024) with interest. Note that Superannuation is not paid on overtime.

OPTUS PAYROLL REVIEW

This is a matter identified by Optus during EBA negotiations. It relates to minimum rates of pay and adjustments through the life of the Union negotiated EBA. Optus has advised:
We have now progressed our review and will be making back-payments for the period from 1 January 2014 to 30 June 2024 to current and former employees. There will be a further review for the period from 1 July 2024 9 November 2024 for former employees who have not received the back-payment for this period.