The CWU remains engaged in the CFW Job Description (CJD) review in line with its original, agreed purpose: to modernise outdated language and update references to evolving technologies – not to reclassify or devalue the work our members perform.
Unfortunately, Telstra’s current approach raises serious concerns. Rather than honouring the intent of the review, the company appears to be using the process to retrospectively legitimise existing under-classifications and downgrade highly skilled fibre-optic work.
The Core Issue: Classification of Fibre Work
Your Union’s position is clear – and grounded in fact and in law:
The Union recognises that many members are already performing this broader fibre work while classified (and paid) as CFW 4s – and this is precisely the issue Telstra is now trying to obscure.
Instead of acknowledging and addressing this widespread under-classification, Telstra’s proposed new CJD seeks to redefine this higher-level work as falling within the CFW 4 scope – effectively cementing years of underpayment and undervaluation.
Your Union will not accept this.
Telstra’s position, which is unsupported and unjustifiable:
After numerous attempts by the Union to clarify and test Telstra’s assertions, it is now clear that the company has no factual, industrial, or legal foundation for its position. Its approach appears solely aimed at entrenching under-classification and cost-cutting at workers’ expense.
If accepted, Telstra’s proposal would:
We see no evidence of good faith in Telstra’s conduct throughout this process.
Union-Led Advocacy, Informed by the Field
Union representatives have been joined in the review by experienced technicians whose input has been invaluable. The insights of Matt and Andrew NSW, along with Josh from North Queensland, who are all at the CFW5 level, have confirmed your Union’s concerns and brought practical, frontline clarity to every discussion.
Their voices, and yours, are essential in defending the integrity of classification and the value of your work.
Next Steps
While we remain at the table, we do so with serious reservations about Telstra’s willingness to engage honestly and respectfully.
In the meantime, your Union will continue to:
We remain open to continued engagement – but only if Telstra demonstrates a fundamental change in approach, anchored in transparency, fairness, and respect for the purpose of the review.
We will not allow skilled work to be devalued under the guise of “modernisation.”
Your work has value, and your Union will continue to protect it.
We will keep members informed of further progress. In the meantime, should you require any further information, please contact your State Branch Official for assistance.