Update: CFW Job Description (CJD) Review
The CWU remains engaged in the CFW Job Description (CJD) review in line with its original, agreed purpose: to modernise outdated language and update references to evolving technologies – not to reclassify or devalue the work our members perform.
Unfortunately, Telstra’s current approach raises serious concerns. Rather than honouring the intent of the review, the company appears to be using the process to retrospectively legitimise existing under-classifications and downgrade highly skilled fibre-optic work.
The Core Issue: Classification of Fibre Work
Your Union’s position is clear – and grounded in fact and in law:
- The current CFW 4 CJDs limit fibre responsibilities to jointing and splicing within the Customer Access Network (CAN).
- Broader duties – such as installation, fault-finding, testing, maintenance, and repair – all fall squarely under higher classifications.
- This is supported by:
- The clear language of the current CJDs;
- The experience and knowledge of long-serving technicians who understand the scope difference;
- The Jayawardana v Telstra decision, which affirms that CFW 4 duties are limited to hauling, jointing, and splicing on the CAN.
The Union recognises that many members are already performing this broader fibre work while classified (and paid) as CFW 4s – and this is precisely the issue Telstra is now trying to obscure.
Instead of acknowledging and addressing this widespread under-classification, Telstra’s proposed new CJD seeks to redefine this higher-level work as falling within the CFW 4 scope – effectively cementing years of underpayment and undervaluation.
Your Union will not accept this.
Telstra’s position, which is unsupported and unjustifiable:
- Expands the CFW4 classification to include the full spectrum of fibre duties – including those long understood as CFW 5 and above.
- Despite repeated requests, Telstra has failed to provide any credible evidence or industrial rationale to support its position.
- The company has:
- Blamed the Union for delays while avoiding meaningful engagement;
- Failed to identify any supporting language in the current CJDs or in the Jayawardana ruling;
- Refused to offer a clear explanation, while falsely claiming the matter is settled;
- Relied on vague phrases like “prescribed diagnostics and programming of services” – and later admitted these have no direct connection to fibre cabling.
After numerous attempts by the Union to clarify and test Telstra’s assertions, it is now clear that the company has no factual, industrial, or legal foundation for its position. Its approach appears solely aimed at entrenching under-classification and cost-cutting at workers’ expense.
If accepted, Telstra’s proposal would:
- Downgrade highly skilled fibre work;
- Legitimate historical underpayments;
- Blur classification boundaries through deliberate ambiguity.
We see no evidence of good faith in Telstra’s conduct throughout this process.
Union-Led Advocacy, Informed by the Field
Union representatives have been joined in the review by experienced technicians whose input has been invaluable. The insights of Matt and Andrew NSW, along with Josh from North Queensland, who are all at the CFW5 level, have confirmed your Union’s concerns and brought practical, frontline clarity to every discussion.
Their voices, and yours, are essential in defending the integrity of classification and the value of your work.
Next Steps
While we remain at the table, we do so with serious reservations about Telstra’s willingness to engage honestly and respectfully.
In the meantime, your Union will continue to:
- Advance under-classification claims, including through legal channels where necessary;
- Meticulously document Telstra’s conduct throughout this process; and
- Support members performing higher duties without the proper classification or pay.
We remain open to continued engagement – but only if Telstra demonstrates a fundamental change in approach, anchored in transparency, fairness, and respect for the purpose of the review.
We will not allow skilled work to be devalued under the guise of “modernisation.”
Your work has value, and your Union will continue to protect it.
We will keep members informed of further progress. In the meantime, should you require any further information, please contact your State Branch Official for assistance.
