Federal Member for Canberra Annette Ellis, Federal Member for Fraser Bob McMullan and ACT Labor Senator Kate Lundy have questioned Telstra’s actions in continuing to sack skilled and experienced technicians from the ACT despite the effects this will have on local families and Canberra’s communications infrastructure.
As part of its “transformation project”, Telstra has put 94 highly skilled technicians from NSW and the ACT out of work. Five of these have been from Canberra.
These losses will mean poorer service for Canberra with fewer workers to install, service and maintain national communications infrastructure.
The ACT Labor representatives have called on newly-appointed CEO David Thodey to turn the tide of a legacy that is leaving communities worse off.
“At a time when the Federal Government is proud to be investing in infrastructure around Australia and in Canberra, it makes no sense for Telstra to be pushing out these skilled and experienced workers.”
Research undertaken by the Communication, Electrical and Plumbing Union shows that 85 per cent of its membership who are made redundant leave the industry all together – taking their skills with them.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brenton Sloane (Ellis) 0431 252 698
Tony Hodges (McMullan) 0408 690 861
Annika Hutchins (Lundy) 0407 458 882
