More layoffs at Telstra

Telstra confirmed redundancies in its display advertising team, the Telstra Advertising Network (TAN). The job cuts are a result of a Telstra agreement with Multi Channel Network (MCN), a Telstra spokesperson said.

“Positions have been made redundant in the display advertising team at TAN following the agreement with MCN. However, there may be opportunities for redeployment within Telstra, openings at MCN or as a last resort, a redundancy package,” the Telstra spokesperson said.

The layoffs happened one week after it was revealed that Telstra would cut 651 customer service jobs.

Less clear is whether any jobs will be affected by a separate Telstra agreement to hand over management of its classifieds website Trading Post to Carsales.com. Under the deal, Quicksales.com.au will operate the Tradingpost.com.au website. The deal requires regulatory approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

“No decisions have been made in relation to staff at the Trading Post pending the ACCC concluding its review of the arrangements,” the Telstra spokesperson said.

Telstra and Carsales.com executives said they hope the agreement will make Trading Post more competitive.

“Recent years have seen large overseas players like the eBay-owned Gumtree enter the local classified space,” said Carsales.com CEO Greg Roebuck. “This transaction will re-invigorate Tradingpost.com.au and also bolster the operation of quicksales.com.au.”

Telstra media executive director JB Rousselot said, “Tradingpost is an iconic classified brand held dear to the heart of Australians and in a very competitive market we needed to identify growth opportunities."

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