The Communications Union said Telstra’s decision to drastically cut its workforce is putting short-term profits above long-term services for the Australian community.
CEPU Communications Division National President, Shane Murphy said the announcement represented one of the largest job cuts in Australian corporate history.
“Telstra’s decision to slash 8,000 jobs will devastate thousands of Australian families and have a significant impact on Telstra’s ability to deliver for consumers.
“In an industry which is booming, Telstra has clearly chosen to prioritise short term profits to keep shareholders happy, instead of investing in the future of Australia’s network.
“In particular the CEPU is concerned about plans to hive off Telstra’s network of infrastructure, which seems a first step to selling it off altogether.
“This is a recipe for reduced services, with Telstra’s highly skilled workforce of employees and contractors replaced by casuals and piece-workers.
“These cuts will directly impact on Telstra’s ability to service existing clients, particularly those who in regional areas rely on the network for business and essential services.
“Today’s jobs purge is the low-point of 20 years of privatisation, which has consistently taken the low road of cutting jobs rather than investing in vital community infrastructure.”
“On behalf of Telstra workers and Telstra customers I am calling on CEO Andy Penn to reconsider this drastic action.”
This announcement comes as the Union is bargaining for a new enterprise agreement to cover the Telstra workforce. The Union is meeting Telstra executives at 2pm today.
Media Contact: Amelia Brock, EMC, 0430 187 161
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