IRC to rule on Telstra's sick leave

Date: 22 May 2000

The Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) convened an emergency hearing yesterday (Sunday 21 May in Melbourne), at the request of Telstra, on the CPSU's planned nationwide protest action over Telstra's sacking of a good worker for being sick.

The matters in dispute, including the illegal sacking of a CPSU member from a call centre in Bendigo and the treatment by Telstra management of employees who are sick, were not resolved at yesterday's hearings.

However, in a significant step forward, the IRC has determined that it will now arbitrate on the matter of sick leave in Telstra and the treatment by Telstra of employees who are sick.

The hearing commences this Tuesday 23 May and will be dealt with expeditiously by the Commission.

In light of this development the Commissioner requested the union to withdraw industrial action while this matter is before him for Arbitration. After considering the matter overnight the union has agreed to this request and advised the Commissioner this morning.

The Secretary of the Communications Section of the CPSU, Adrian O'Connell said that "the strong support of Telstra staff for their sacked colleague in Bendigo has been instrumental in bringing community attention to the unfair and intimidatory polices adopted by Telstra management in relation to staff who are sick".

'We have accepted the Commissioner's decision not to continue with our protest action because we believe we now have the forum to have our grievances about Telstra's management practices and policies aired and resolved," said Mr O'Connell

For comment
ADRIAN O'CONNELL
0418 977 170

STEPHEN JONES
0417 261 152

For further information

Contact:	ADRIAN O’CONNELL
Union:	CPSU - National Office
Phone:	0418 977 170

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