CSD Assurance: CWU challenges centralisation
The CWU has expressed strong concern over Telstra’s proposal to centralise its assurance functions in Townsville.
The proposed reorganisation of CSD Assurance contact centre work will result in the closure of the Perth centre with the loss of 80 permanent staff and 25 agency jobs there.
Although 51 new permanent jobs will be created in Townsville, Telstra at the same time will reduce its agency workforce there by 178, with the work performed by the Townsville agency staff being outsourced to the Philippines.
As the CWU pointed out, this is not the first time that Telstra has proposed closing the Perth centre.
On a previous occasion, the CWU successfully argued for it to be kept open on what were essentially business grounds ie its location in a time zone that aligned it with much of Asia-Pacific and in a part of Australia less prone to natural disasters than Townsville.
The CWU believes that these remain live issues.
The union will be meeting directly with affected members over the coming days. Members are urged to contact their state branches to ensure they have input into this part of the consultation process.
