Telstra confirms 1,400 jobs to go in Australia

Telstra has confirmed it will cut 1,400 jobs within Australia as part of a cost-cutting initiative.

“Today, we announced a series of structural reorganisations which are very much about aligning the business to reduce complexity [and] create a leaner business,” Telstra chief executive officer Andy Penn said.

He said the job cuts were due to “the increased competitive dynamics of the market and the acceleration of the rollout of the NBN (National Broadband Network)”.

Mr Penn also confirmed the decision will affect jobs across several business units and states.

An “appalling” move by Telstra

Shane Murphy, the Communications Union’s divisional president and NSW secretary, said the move was “appalling” and had “obviously been months in the planning by the executives”.

Mr Murphy said the workers and the union were “ambushed”.

“There had been no indication or any signs given to the union or workforce — up until a text message received by staff shortly before 10.30am today,” he said.

“They were asked to join a teleconference at 11:00am, and advised 1,400 of their jobs would no longer apply in the next six months.”

Source: Telstra confirms 1,400 jobs to go in Australia – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)