Overtime or emergency duty? CWU and Telstra in dispute
The CWU has notified the Fair Work Commission (FWC) that it is in dispute with Telstra over its calling employees back to work after ordinary hours.
The particular incidents relate to the Global Operations Centre (GOC) in Melbourne. But the issue potentially affects all members who are asked to return to work to perform unscheduled duties.
The current Enterprise Agreement (EA) only allows employees to be recalled to work, without prior notice, in two circumstances – either under the Emergency Duty provisions or under Essential Customer Servicing arrangements.
Emergency Duty is paid at a rate of 200%.
In the case of Essential Customer Servicing there is a schedule of payments made to staff who make themselves available for recall.
Then if they are actually recalled ordinary overtime rates apply.
Telstra management appears to be trying to avoid paying either of these entitlements and are just paying employees ordinary overtime rates.
The CWU considers this to be a breach of the EA. Any other members encountering the same problem should report it to their state branch.
Members will be kept informed of progress in the case.
