The CEPU has announced that it will immediately suspend its industrial action campaign at Telstra.

Late yesterday afternoon, a teleconference of the union's Divisional Executive  unanimously voted to suspend action following Telstra’s commitment to enter into formal talks ahead of 1 July.

“The CEPU is committed to good faith bargaining with Telstra,” CEPU National President Mr Ed Husic said.

“Telstra’s brought a positive attitude to the discussions with unions and it is telling us it wants to finalise an enterprise agreement (EA).  The CEPU wants to play its part in making this happen.

“Since Telstra’s prepared to resume talks, the CEPU Divisional Executive unanimously supports suspending the industrial action campaign to demonstrate our commitment to deliver positive and productive negotiations.”

The CEPU said the decision would take immediate effect, with all notices for pending industrial action to be withdrawn.

“While there is still a long way to go to secure the good quality EBA that Telstra employees deserve, we want to give every chance possible for the talks to succeed,” Mr Husic said.

Telstra and the unions will meet again next Wednesday, 17 June to continue EA negotiations.

“The Divisional Executive (DE) notes the report from the CEPU negotiators about the initial discussions held with Telstra HR on Friday 5 June 2009 regarding the future steps required to recommence EBA negotiations.

The DE notes that these discussions were positive, with our negotiators reporting that it appears the new CEO of Telstra Mr David Thodey has cleared the way for Telstra negotiators to bargain in good faith in order to try to reach an agreement with the unions for a new EBA.

Importantly, it appears Telstra is open to union requests to recommence talks in June, once an initial exchange of information is completed between the parties.

Given this position - and considering the request from Telstra that all strike and other industrial action cease - the CEPU Communications Divisional Executive agrees to temporarily suspend all industrial action to allow the negotiations to proceed in the best possible environment.

This position is to take immediate effect and all notices for pending industrial action will be withdrawn.

While there is still a long way to go to secure the good quality EBA that Telstra employees deserve, our members can be very proud of their efforts so far, and the CEPU congratulates and thanks them for their support, determination and commitment.

The CEPU and its members are committed to good faith bargaining and we enter the process hoping for a good result for members and the business as a whole.”