News

EPMU members at Transfield's telecommunications division have rejected the lines company's latest offer but will continue to talk to the company.



Transfield is one of Telecom's two major contractors and its offer stands at 4.25% for twelve months.



EPMU national electrocomms organiser Joe Gallagher says the main problem is Telecom. "Just like our recent Downer dispute the issue here is that telecom has put the squeeze on its contractors and there's not much money to spare."



"While our members have some sympathy with the position Telecom has put Transfield in," says Gallagher, "they are also aware of how scarce their skills are and that they can get paid a lot more across the ditch."



The negotiating team has decided to return to the company for a new offer before deciding what their next step will be.

Meanwhile members at Transfield's electrical division are seeking urgent mediation to resolve issues around hours of work, overtime and threats to core conditions.