TZV SUPPORT EBA

Given the delays caused by TZV in developing its new structure, and their need to consult Government, we have lodged some additional claims. Our letter stated:

We refer to the EBA negotiations and the delay and uncertainty that arises from the Victorian Government participation. We note that we have not been consulted over the structure as yet and the structure is being discussed between the Government and TZV.
In the circumstances, we seek formal agreement to the following:
1. TZV to confirm that no one will be worse off following introduction of any new structure.
2. Assuming a 3% pa pay rise, that any proposed performance pay is to be additional to the 3% per annum.
3. Assuming a 3% pa pay rise, Grandfathered pay will also increase by 3% per annum (ie not frozen).
4. That the first pay increase be guaranteed to commence on 28 December 2025
5. That CWU be invited to attend Government meetings with TZV when discussing EBA matters.

NBN GREAT PLACE TO WORK?

We have been advised that NBN are again conducting a Great Place to Work survey (GPTW). At a meeting on 21/7/25 NBN undertook to get back to the CWU regarding the results and concerns raised in the previous GTPW. In as recently as the last fortnight, we have again raised our concern that this has not happened. We will now pursue the outcomes of this survey as well as the previous outcomes. People are often rightfully concerned about participating in these types of surveys and management wrongly interpret neutral or non-participation as meaning they are doing a great job, and that the employees are happy. Any members being placed under any duress regarding their participation in the GPTW should contact the branch.

AUST POST ONGOING DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

As previously reported the CWU T&S Branch represented members at the Fair Work Commission regarding disciplinary action taken against them . After successfully arguing that the action taken by A P management was a breach of the general protection provisions of the act, A P agreed to withdraw the disciplinary action. AP management have, however, continued with other disciplinary action in what could only be seen as a bullying campaign against their employees. This has included further action against an employee including his dismissal.
Under the provisions of the current EBA the T&S Branch appealed this decision to the Board of Reference. The appeal was upheld, and the Board of Appeal recommendation was that the employee be reinstated.
In what could now only be described as further adverse action against their employees, Australia Post management have refused to accept the board of reference recommendation. As a result of this we have referred the dismissal to the Fair Work Commission.
Ken Hardisty

CHANGES TO AUST POST EBA DISCIPLINARY CLAUSE

The branch has requested further information from the Divisional office regarding a current proposal nationally to change some of the provisions in the EBA relating to disciplinary action. Our concerns are predominantly around management's ability to further misuse the disciplinary process against our members. The Branch will be monitoring these developments, especially clauses dealing with Our Ethics as management continually use this policy to take action against their employees. Of further concern is that the so called Our Ethics policy appears not to apply at all to A P Managers. Ken Hardisty

OPTUS REACTS TO TRIPLE ZERO OUTAGE

We note the following media report following the grilling in the Senate:

Optus chief executive Stephen Rue told this morning's Senate inquiry into its September 18 000 outage that the telco would accelerate plans to take back in-house network operations currently managed by Nokia and hire about 300 additional staff in Australian call centres, as part of a major operational overhaul following the 18 Sep Triple Zero outage.
Rue said Optus's board had approved the plan in May to transition Nokia's onshore and offshore network activities back into Optus by May 2027, but that he had now directed the Networks team to bring the change forward.
"I have now asked the Networks team to accelerate the move," he said, describing it as central to rebuilding local capability and accountability. The carrier will also recruit around 300 additional call centre staff focused on Triple Zero and vulnerable customer support including rural, elderly and medically dependent users and establish a 150-person Process Centre of Excellence in Australia to drive procedural reform.