Customer Service Delivery: Asset Management
Telstra says it intends to proceed with its proposed reorganisation of Asset Management, despite strong opposition from CWU members, particularly those at the NRF centre in Hobart which carries out high level diagnostic functions for the Telstra network.
In what it argues is a response to NBN-driven changes to its operations, Telstra will reorganise and centralise Asset Management functions.
The new structure will see what Telstra describes as more routine functions offshored to India with higher level roles kept within Telstra.
At a 17 November consultation meeting, CWU members argued that the proposed changes were, at best, premature, given the ongoing issues with the performance of offshore partners and the volume of work still being performed at the Hobart centre.
At worst, they will potentially weaken Telstra’s ability to manage any NBN maintenance contracts it may win in the coming 12-18 months.
The CWU recognises the importance of these contracts in providing ongoing employment for its Telstra members. But it does not accept that getting rid of highly skilled and experienced staff in such key areas as diagnostics, where Telstra must currently enjoy a competitive edge, is the best way to secure this work.
In light of Telstra’s decision to ignore these issues and proceed with its proposal, the CWU will now be consulting further with affected members to consider possible future responses. Members wanting input into these discussions should contact their state branch.
