CWU disputes CFW banding
The CWU has taken a dispute over Telstra’s banding of CFWs to the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
Changing technologies and changing work roles are constantly raising questions for CWU telco members about correct classifications and banding levels. Over the last 12 months the union has been successful in getting banding upgrades and/or higher duties payments for members in a number of work areas but for others the problems are ongoing.
This particular case involves Communication Technicians in Service Delivery who were brought into Telstra Digital when it was first established some years ago and have since been performing digital work in business premises, in particular installation, configuring and testing of routers.
In the CWU’s view, this is complex work. There are several Job Descriptions which could be applicable to it, including some in both the CFW and TW classification streams, but it certainly should be graded above CFW4 – the current banding level of these employees.
An initial hearing of the matter by the FWC occurred in late January and a directions hearing has been scheduled for 14 February.
In the meantime, Divisional President Shane Murphy and Victorian T&S Secretary John Ellery have met with Telstra in an attempt to resolve the matter before it is arbitrated. Input has also been provided directly by members performing these roles. A further meeting with Telstra is scheduled for Monday 13 February.
The CWU believes that as many as 200 Telstra employees could be affected by the outcome of this dispute, depending on the degree to which they are involved in doing this work. Members will be kept updated about its progress.
