Issue No 112 | 21 September 2001 | |
NewsMore Sackings But 20,000 Faults To Fix
Telstra are moving ahead with another round of retrenchments in spite of their admission that there are 20,617 faults to be fixed in Queensland and over 100,000 nationally. The Telstra union CEPU claimed the management and boards have forgotten Telstra's role that is to provide a reliable service to all Australians. Instead they "manage" with both eyes fixed firmly on the share price. More than 40,000 jobs have already gone and existing staffs in key service areas are flat strap. In addition Telstra have cut its infrastructure investment program and the staff that should be building and enhancing Telstra's networks are underemployed and hundreds of them are being laid off. Currently management is eating away at the real assets of the company (its network and staff) in an attempt to get the share price up. Shareholders already entitled to be upset because they were conned by Johnny Howard into paying over $2 per share above current value will not be pleased to see their assets eroded in this way. "Telstra is a strong company but competition policy is threatening its long-term viability," the CEPU says. "Its survival is under threat. The telecommunications industry is heading in the same direction as the airline industry."
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Interview: Exit Interview Michael Costa looks back at his 14 years with the Labor Council to chart the highs, the lows and the bits in between. Parliament: Opening Salvo In his Maiden Speech, delivered this week, Costa gave vent to his views on immigration, Marx, globalisation and mental health. Scandals: My Evil Twin Co-conspirator and 'intellectual soulmate' Mark Duffy recounts the legendary 'Leaked Paper' Affair and how its predictions soon came to pass. Politics: An Agent for Change Former secretary Michael Easson argues that Costa was instrumental in redefining the factional balance in NSW in the wake of the Cold War. Review: The Thoughts of Chairman MC Neale Towart trawls the collected works of Michael Costa and looks at his love-hate affair with Marx. Factions: Kyoto Sunset Naomi Steer - the first left-winger to work at Labor Council in decades - recalls how she discovered the real Michael in a Karaoke lounge. History: A Proud Tradition Former Premier Barrie Unsworth argues Costa enters Parliament as the best qualified Labor Council leader ever to make the transition. Psychology: The Man Behind the Mask Costa's predecessor Peter Sams argues that behind the bluff facade lay a loyal and caring friend. Seduction: Michael and Me Chris Christodoulou recounts how Costa convinced him to cross the factional divide and take up residence in Sussex Street. Satire: Ode to Leon Long-time sparring partner, Peter Botsman submits this lyrical tribute to Costa's career.
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