News

The CEPU will go to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission today to seek approval for a ballot of members to commence urgent industrial action across the country.



CEPU National President Ed Husic said the union action follows Telstra’s failure to negotiate a collective agreement with its employees.



“While Telstra’s Chief Executive Sol Trujillo makes a massive $13.4 million in pay this year, the company refuses to sit down and collectively bargain with unions to secure a decent wage for Telstra’s employees. 

“It’s unacceptable that the only offer Telstra has put forward so far is a non-union deal that is below inflation.



“The CEPU’s repeatedly tried to negotiate with Telstra in good faith, but the company has rejected our requests to get back to the bargaining table.



“We’ve spoken with our members coast to coast and they have said they want a union negotiated deal and are prepared to act to get that deal.



“Our members have families, mortgages, are forced to cope rising costs of living: everyday stresses that someone like Telstra's CEO - on a pay packet of $257,000 a week - will never understand.



“Enough’s enough – we have to take this step to ensure our members are heard.”