The action comes after the Communications and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) went to the Commission on Monday following the telco's refusal to confirm or deny whether a sacking spree was on the cards.
-The IRC has just issued orders that Vodafone should inform the Unions about terminations and the reasons for them," CEPU organiser Mark Brownlow told ZDNet Australia. -The IRC has ordered that no employees be made redundant until such times as we've had these discussions."
Brownlow described the outcome at the Commission as -a good result". The IRC's orders are -fairly comprehensive" and Vodafone, -doesn't have much choice" but to consult with the Unions, he said. -It has to be genuine consultation, not just 'we've made this decision, this is what we're going to do'," Brownlow added.
Union intervention prior to the elimination of jobs will ensure that there are no other employment opportunities within Vodafone that workers targeted for retrenchment could fill.
If Vodafone fails to consult with the Union officials the CEPU said it would return to the IRC to seek orders to reinstate workers.
Vodafone, which was represented at the IRC today by its lawyers, -is denying any decision has been made" about retrenchments, according to Brownlow.
Australia's third-largest mobile phone company told ZDNet yesterday that it was -not removed" from the downturn in the telecommunications arena and that job losses were likely, but maintained that -no definitive number of positions" had been selected for termination.
