OpenTel staff left in limbo for year 
By Richard Salmons 
June 19 2003 


Open Telecommunications marks a year in administration next month, with former 
employees still involved in a dispute they say highlights flaws in the Federal 
Government's employee entitlements scheme.

Almost 100 former OpenTel employees are awaiting the outcome of claims under 
the taxpayer-funded General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme 
(GEERS). 

Former OpenTel engineer Paul Davis said the use of a deed of company by 
administrators to facilitate returns to creditors was blocking GEERS payments 
to staff.

"GEERS only truly protects employees' entitlements in the case of insolvency, 
whereas in the case of a deed of company arrangement, GEERS will only advance 
payments that are scheduled under the deed," Mr Davis said.


This story was found at: 
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/18/1055828386069.html