
Issue No 66		11 August 2000

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

News

Telstra in Olympic Twist Over Games Allowance

While most public sector agencies are on the verge of signing an Olympic pay deal with their employees, reluctant public corporation Telstra is dragging its heels over an Olympic allowance.

Telstra has a major stake in the games, being the major sponsor and the sole provider of telecommunications facilities to the site. Weeks out from the games it still has no agreement with workers represented by the CEPU and the CPSU.

The CPSU and CEPU have been negotiating with management about ways to avert problems and to compensate employees.

They are looking for:

an additional payment of $5.00 in line with what is being offered to other workers in Sydney;
a review of the blanket ban on leave;
payment for additional time spent traveling to and from work because of the games;
adjustment for any performance measures that may be affected by the games.

CPSU industrial Officer Stephen Jones says Telstra managers can't work out how to respond to the situation.

'The mixed messages to staff highlight this. Some staff are being threatened with discipline if they turn up late,' he says.

'Meanwhile memos to Olympic site staff say the volume of traffic expected during the Olympics period could turn what is normally a short trip into an expedition requiring a cut lunch and a change of clothes.'

'You'd think that Australia's most profitable company, and major Games sponsor would understand the special needs of employees during the Olympics. Most companies in Sydney have and are offering staff compensation and flexible arrangements for the games.'

CEPU Branch President (NSW Postal and Telecommunications Branch) Laurie Chalker says Telstra workers are fed up with the company's attitude.

'Telstra is the biggest sponsor, it's telling the world what a great company it is and treating its workers like rubbish. Employees have been told for months they can't go on holidays because of the Olympics,' he said.

The Telstra unions are working together and with the NSW Labor Council to ensure that all employees affected by the games in Sydney next month are looked after.

'If we don't get some movement from the company by the end of the week we will look at ways to bring Telstra management to their senses,' says Stephen Jones.

View entire issue - print all of the articles!

Issue 66 contents

Interview: Shifting Sands
Michael Crosby Joint Director of the ACTU Organising Centre talks to Workers Online about the changing nature of union power, 'use it or lose it' coverage and how the ALP will have to deal with a transformed union movement.

Unions: Mission Possible
From Cambodia to Kyrghyzstan, from Malawi to Mozambique, this is one nurse who accepts certain missions where life is on the edge, and she loves it.

Economics: A Progressive Alternative
Andrew Scott outlines a policy approach for an ALP Government that aims to deliver social as well as economic progress.

International: Unions Back International Seafarer Deal
Shipping union representatives from 56 countries have decided to back a pioneering international collective bargaining agreement with ship employers.

Politics: Apolitical Myth
Over the last ten years one story about public interest in politics has found resonance, especially in the US. It suggests that people are no longer interested in political issues. Researchers from the Demos Foundation put this claim under the microscope.

Satire: Elaine Nile retires citing victory in "War on Masturbation"
There were emotional displays and many tributes paid today as Elaine Nile, Christian Democrat MP of 12 years standing, announced her retirement from the Parliament.

Review: Pure Shit
The 1970s Aussie drug classic, Pure Shit - a 70s Australian style Trainspotting - is being dusted off for a one-off showing at the Chauvel.

» It Will Happen Again Warn Fiji Unions

» Telstra in Olympic Twist Over Games Allowance

» FAAA Uncovers Sham Employment at Impulse

» Saloon Doors Flap as Wealthy Owner Walks

» ACOSS Slams Job Network

» Scrap HECS Say Nurses

» Fahey's Flog Off Fiasco

» Things Go Better With a $100 a Day Extra

» Shopping Centre Silent Over Greedy Grab

» Selley's Workers Stick to Union

» Taxi Incentive Needed to Avert Olympic Shortage

» Sneaky Chubb Forced to Pay Redundancy

» Seaforth Picket Marks a Year With Picnic

» Road Rage! Air Rage! WORK RAGE!