Automated dispatch - Telstra agrees to discuss impact on AWA staff
Telstra has agreed to meet with the CWU over the ongoing fallout from its decision to automate its field workforce scheduling and dispatch functions.
The CWU has consistently warned Telstra that automation would create all the same problems that have occurred when similar systems have been introduced in the past.
And this is just what has happened. Members are reporting longer travelling times and inefficient sequencing of work orders.
The result for those who rely on piece rates for a living – Telstra AWA-based employees and ISGM sub-contractors – has been a drop in income and/or an extension of working hours.
As reported in the last E-bulletin, some ISGM subbies have taken the matter into their own hands and taken time off from ISGM work to attend to other aspects of their businesses. But this is not an option for Telstra AWA employees despite their situation being similar.
The CWU believes that Telstra needs to reassess the practical impacts of its decision to automate dispatch on all sections of its workforce. This is the only way that genuine process improvements can be made and a fair outcome for all workers can be achieved.
The union is keen to hear from all sections of the field workforce on this subject. Contact your state branch if you can help us document the problems currently being experienced.
