Telstra and communications industry unions agree on important principles

Telstra and the unions have signed a principles document that commits all parties to bargain in good faith under the new Fair Work laws towards the objective of a new enterprise agreement as soon as practicable.

CPSU National President Louise Persse said: “This historic document will go a long way towards ending the hostile atmosphere between Telstra and its workforce that was created by the previous management and chairman.

“We have been encouraged by the efforts new CEO David Thodey has made in a short time towards a co-operative relationship with unions, in sharp contrast with his predecessor.

“We expect that this new attitude will be maintained during negotiations for a new enterprise agreement in coming weeks. “Telstra workers have not had a pay rise for two years.

“Telstra’s sensible decision to restore a working relationship with unions sends a strong signal to all employers across the Australian economy that they should respect their workers.

 “The new Fair Work Act which begins today makes collective bargaining the centerpiece of the new IR system. This must be conducted in good faith.

 “But importantly, it also enshrines rights to union membership and representation.

“Other employers should take a lead from Telstra that they must respect fundamental workers’ rights to collective bargaining and union membership,” said Ms Persse.

The document has been signed by:

• Telstra CEO David Thodey
• Telstra Group Managing Director HR Andrea Grant
• ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence
• Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union National President  Ed Husic
• Community and Public Sector Union, National Secretary, Stephen Jones
• CEO of the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia, Chris Walton.

Principles Relating to a Productive Working Relationship

Telstra and the Unions and the ACTU have discussed their shared objective of a productive working relationship. This document outlines the Principles guiding this relationship and the first steps the parties will take towards this aim.

1. Parties Committed to Productive Working Relationship

The following parties are committed to the Principles outlined in this Document:

• Telstra Corporation Limited (Telstra),
• Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)
• Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU)
• Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU)
• Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists & Managers Australia (APESMA)

2. Principles guiding parties

• The ACTU and unions represent, protect and advance the rights at work of their members.
• Union membership is a matter of employee choice. Telstra respects an employee’s choice to join a union and recognises the special role that unions play as a collective voice for Australian employees. Telstra also recognises that employees are entitled to be supported by their union in relation to workplace issues.
• Telstra is Australia’s leading employer and investor in the media communications industry. Telstra offers its employees industry-leading pay and conditions of employment. Telstra conducts its business in the best interests of its employees, customers and shareholders.
• The parties recognise the importance of the principles of respect, fairness, and open and honest communication.
• Senior representatives of the parties will meet at least annually to discuss the Principles and an ongoing productive relationship.

3. Fair Work Laws

In accordance with the Principles, the parties recognise that:

• Under the Fair Work Act, which commences on 1 July 2009, good faith collective bargaining is a feature of agreement-making.
• Like other businesses, Telstra is considering the new Fair Work laws and its good faith bargaining approach.
• Telstra is committed to bargaining in good faith under the new laws with unions representing Telstra employees.
• The union parties are committed to bargaining in good faith with Telstra.
• The shared objective of the parties is to negotiate a new enterprise agreement as soon as practicable. 4. Next steps
• The parties will agree to a joint statement reflecting these Principles.
• The parties will meet to set a timetable for discussions to resolve outstanding issues including enterprise bargaining.

4. Next steps

• The parties will agree to a joint statement reflecting these Principles.
• The parties will meet to set a timetable for discussions to resolve outstanding issues including enterprise bargaining.