Court Determines CallCentre Coverage

Date: 16 April 2002

Following an internal dispute within the ASU, the Federal Court of Australia has determined that call centre workers employed by the TAB are legally covered by the Australian Services Union NSW Clerical and Admin Branch, not the NSW Services Branch of the Union.

"The decision confirms that private sector employees in call centres employed in a clerical capacity can gain protection by joining the Clerical and Admin Branch of the ASU," Mr Want said.

Mr Want emphasised that this case was not just about traditional coverage issues. "This was about members knowing that they have the unified support of their fellow members especially if things are difficult. Our system is not about who can make the biggest threats and noise in the workplace it's about who can provide effective and legal protection for workers when they are vulnerable."

Mr Want conceded that the issue may seem confusing to some. "Although the two branches are part of the same union it is still important that members are protected by the Branch which provides them with legal coverage. For years many employers tried to use a divide and conquer approach with workers because in the end only a united workforce can make a difference industrially."

For more information please contact ASU Branch Secretary Michael Want on (02) 9265 8211 or 0409 128 164.

For further information

Contact:	Michael Want
Union:	Australian Services Union NSW Clerical & Administrative Branch
Phone:	(02) 9265 8211
Fax:	(02) 9261 2265
Email:	office@asuclerical-nsw.asn.au
WWW:	http://asuclerical-nsw.asn.au/

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