Having had enough of low, unreasonable job rates and a further deterioration of take home pay caused by Foxtel's evergrowing preference for the wireless Digitpath add-on as opposed to the traditional wired return path install to enable interactive features of Foxtel Digital, Foxtel Downer subbies stopped work for two days this week in pursuit of a fair rates improvement.

Following several insufficient offers to end the snap strike and under considerable pressure with falling service standards, senior Downer representatives finally met with CEPU State Assistant Secretary Shane Murphy and the local Downer Union rep where constructive talks took place and significant concessions were made by Downer that resulted in a fair pay proposal in an effort to get subbies back to work.

The determined unity of Downer Foxtel CEPU members resulted in a 3% increase to all rates backdated to 1 November 2009 and a further rate increase which will occur on 1 July 2010, an increase of over 100% to the Foxtel Digipath rate and a new payment code for the installation of an ADSL line filter at $10 each filter where subcontractors previously, although required to purchase and install an ADSL filter for Foxtel return paths at a customer's home, received no payment or reimbursement for the purchase or the installation costs.

Further as the result of negotiations, the rate of deductions, or fines, that a subcontractor would face for the loss of a Digipath unit has been reducedf from $300 to $50 for the entire unit.

Further talks are planned over the next two weeks to finalise other issues raised by subcontractors such as the NIA process, Foxtel Multiroom rates, other fines and deductions amounts, routing of work, pre-wired rates and many others. 

This significant win was reported back to CEPU subcontractor members early Wednesday morning where the offer was accepted and CEPU members returned to work.

The CEPU congratulates its Downer Foxtel subbie members on their determination and support of their Union that has resulted in such a significant win.

Just another reason why communications subbies shouldn't go to work without the CEPU.

Are you a subbie and want to improve your pay and conditions?

Contact State Assistant Secretary Shane Murphy and join the CEPU today by calling (02) 9893 7822.