Talks break down between TSTT, union

The CWU will hold a media briefing today to give its version of the issue.

In a media release yesterday, TSTT said negotiations (for the period 2006-2008) came to an abrupt halt on Sunday when the CWU “openly rejected some fundamental proposals by the company on which there was prior discussion.”

While maintaining an “open door policy” with the union, TSTT said the matter was referred to the Minister of Labour and it will “continue to search for a mutually satisfactory resolution.”

TSTT said at Sunday’s meeting the union declared that it would not recognise or entertain any negotiations or discussions with two members of the company’s executive and two heads of departments “among others.”

TSTT said talks with the CWU had stalled at the end of May and both parties formed a team to iron out some of the differences. Coming out of this, TSTT submitted a new proposal and talks resumed on August 15. TSTT said a key issue was extended hours for mobile stores and public offices as well as the implementation of a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week Call Centre service.

TSTT’s vice-president human resources and administration, Edghill Messiah, said, “TSTT needs to redesign its business model to become more responsive to the new competitive environment. We are negotiating for the future, the playing field has changed”.

Messiah said TSTT was never required to be open continuously on Saturday or until 5.30 pm at its public offices, but with competition and customers demanding more, it has been forced to provide the increased level of service.

He said the company was mindful of the value and commitment of its employees, and “will not deprive them in any way.”

The release said TSTT wanted to use the collective agreement to enhance its offering to employees. TSTT said its offer is based on incentives to staff to ensure remuneration remains competitive and the company retained its status as a desirable workplace.

John said the union had not seen the release sent out by TSTT and he did not receive any information indicating that negotiations had broken down. He said both parties had to agree that there was a breakdown.