Draining Ballarat Bigpond?

Staff at the Telstra's Bigpond operation in Ballarat have 
called on management to confirm or deny rumours that their 
positions are to be re-located.

It is understood that up to 170 of the centre's 300 positions 
could be affected.

The Communications Division of the CPSU, the union which 
represents Telstra workers, is writing to the telco to demand 
that staff be told what is happening to their jobs and 
livelihood.

Concern began after all staff received an e-mail announcing that 
major changes were being planned and that "... the BigPond team 
will be brought together".

Staff presume that this may mean relocation to either Melbourne, 
Bathurst or Adelaide where existing BigPond centres are located.

The e-mail also said that the impacts on Ballarat "are currently 
being scoped" and that "... the move ... will be met with some 
sadness".

According to CPSU spokesperson John Jamieson, staff are in shock 
and are demanding to be told what the real story is.

"This has come out of the blue for most people. People are 
frustrated that they can't get a straight answer and they are 
looking to Telstra do the right thing and maintain its support 
for regional employment in Ballarat.

"These guys have done a great job for Telstra. They have worked 
their guts out for the company. They feel like they deserve 
better than this", he said.

The Telstra Bigpond operation opened in its current location 
almost two years ago.