Bargaining for a new Enterprise Agreement (EA) in Telstra is due to start in May.

In preparation for negotiations, the CEPU has been talking to members about their priorities for bargaining. Membership meetings are being held and membership surveys are being circulated for completion.

So far the issues identified by members as being of most importance are those that might be expected:

• Hours of duty, including the availability of RDOs
• Leave .. and of course
• A fair pay rise.

Protecting your redundancy entitlements in the EA is a priority that has been clearly identified by members, particularly overcoming the capped 40-week redundancy benefit sell out in the Telstra Modern Award that was agreed to by the CWUnion Divisional (National) Office led by Dan Dwyer and Len Cooper without the knowledge or approval of the CEPU Divisional Executive who are representative of all branches of the Division.

Members have also identified performance management and assessment, particularly in the field workforce, and opportunities for skill development as areas of particular concern.

Your Union needs your feedback as we get closer to the beginning of negotiations.

Jim Metcher
Branch Secretary