Telecommunications
Good move but now fix up pay for our members
(23 June, 2009): The CEPU has welcomed a 12-month pay freeze for Telstra’s top 300 executives.
National President of the Communications Electrical Plumbing Union (CEPU), Ed Husic, said the wage freeze was a “show of good faith by new Chief Executive David Thodey”.
“In the past Telstra seemed to reward its senior executives very handsomely while making its average employees jump through all sorts of hoops just to get a pay increase in line with inflation,” Mr Husic said.
“In these tough economic times, it’s pleasing to see that Mr Thodey has put a freeze on any wage rises for its top 300 executives.
“It’s also important to remember that CEPU members have not received a pay increase since September 2007, while Telstra's played hardball during wage talks with unions.
“This is one of the reasons our members are keen to see the current round of talks end soon – and end satisfactorily.”
Mr Husic said the CEPU stands ready to continue its negotiations with Mr Thodey.
“We look forward to working with Mr Thodey to make sure Telstra workers get a fair go,” Mr Husic said.
“And the fact that Mr Thodey has imposed this 12-month wage freeze sends the right signals and is in touch with community concerns about corporate remuneration packages being paid during tough economic times.”