Not happy, Sol!

February 10, 2009

Well done to all the union members around Australia who have sent a clear message to Telstra management to show some respect for their rights as they engaged in the first 24-hour nationwide strike for more than a decade.

The strike, by members of the CEPU and the CPSU, was accompanied by fun and colourful public events, including a lunchtime rally outside the T [life] store in George Street in Sydney.

Other events were held at locations as far apart as Perth and the Gold Coast.

In Perth, Sol Trujillo was confronted by his own image on a large $13.4 million note when he arrived to meet workers who told him they were “not happy, Sol” with the way management is treating employees who want a union-negotiated agreement.

The leadership of the two unions, in consultation with the ACTU, decided to suspend the action in Victoria because of the appalling bushfire tragedy that has claimed more than 100 lives across the state.

This was in line with the traditional policy in relation to the protection of “life and limb” during industrial action.

But members were determined that the strike should go ahead in other states and territories to remind Telstra management that workers have rights, including the right to proper representation in negotiations over their pay and conditions.

The rally in Sydney attracted a big crowd, who were entertained by a surprise spruiker who set up outside the T [life] store promote the “WorkChoices going out of business sale”.

Passersby were handed $13.4 million notes with Sol Trujillo’s face on the front and a information about the reasons for the industrial action on the back.

Telstra employee ‘Eddie’ spoke about what the campaign meant to him and his workmates, and a bucket was passed around to collect donations for the Victorian bushfire appeal.

Read a news report about the rally here, which was accompanied by a fantastic photo in today’s print version of The Australian.

More photos and video from rallies around Australia can be found here.

Members remain committed to winning a fair union agreement and the campaign will continue in Victoria in due course.

The decision to put industrial action on hold was made because our members play an important role in maintaining emergency services and public safety infrastructure and will be needed at work.

Our members in Victoria believe that serving customers and restoring essential services are the main priority at this time, and set aside their dispute with management in a spirit of co-operation.

Workers at Telstra have not had a pay rise for almost 18 months and want management to respect their rights to work and come to the negotiating table with their union representatives.

Stay tuned for more details about industrial action in Victoria.

Written by TelstraUnions · Filed Under Featured news 

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