Decision to cut regional Telstra jobs a disgrace: CPSU media release
22 August 2012, 7:41am
The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has slammed a decision by Telstra to close its call centres in Lismore and Townsville, leaving around 250 staff out of work.
CPSU Lead Organiser Teresa Davison said, "This decision is a disgrace. The
closures will have a massive impact, not just on Telstra workers but on the
local communities and, ultimately, Telstra customers.
"Telstra's massive profits are built on the hard work and commitment of these
workers.
"You can easily understand that they feel betrayed by this decision.
Particularly when they have seen Telstra transfer thousands of Australian jobs
to cheaper overseas providers in Asia and the sub-continent.
"These staff have worked hard to make Telstra a productive and profitable
business. Now they're being told that despite the profits announced this month,
they don't have their jobs any more.
"Losing a job is a big deal for any worker, but there is a big difference
between losing your job in a major city and losing your job in a regional area
like Lismore or Townsville where employment prospects are more limited.
"Some of the families of these workers will now have to look at relocating to
find a job," said Ms Davison.
The CPSU says that the experience in other regional centres where Telstra has
closed its doors shows there are significant flow on effects to the whole local
community.
Ms Davison said, "If you think about the local cafes, contractors and other
businesses - it's a huge impact to lose hundreds of jobs in the local area."
CPSU staff are supporting members affected by today's announcement, while the
union calls on Telstra to reverse its decision.
"Telstra needs to come clean on the reality of its commitment to regional
jobs, because it says one thing and does another," said Ms Davison.
For media comment
Contact Teresa Davison, CPSU Lead Organiser on 0400 303 692
