Telstra banding dispute goes to FWC
The CWU’s dispute with Telstra over the correct grading of Service Delivery Field Technicians went before Fair Work Commission (FWC) Vice President Catanzariti again.
The dispute involves a number of technicians who are currently classified as CFW4s despite the fact that they are typically performing what the CWU argues is complex work involving the configuring and testing of routers for business customers.
Although it is the grading of these specific members which is in dispute, the issue potentially affects as many as 200 Communication Technicians.
The CWU has been pursuing this issue directly with Telstra over a considerable period of time and has met with the company on two occasions earlier this year over it.
We have not been able to reach any resolution however.
At the most recent hearing, Telstra tried to rely on the views of a witness who the company said was an expert in the Hay classification system on which the current Work Stream Job Descriptions are based.
Vice President Catanzariti pointed out, however, that the witness’ credentials as an expert had not been established so his evidence could not be given “expert” weight.
Telstra is now required to produce any relevant further documentation in relation to the case before the next hearing.
