Optus has revealed it will be cutting another 440 roles as a result of further changes to the business.
As the telecommunications provider embarks on a mission to become a world-class, mobile-led, digital service provider 440 roles will be made redundant.
"As we continue to evolve the way we work, do business and fund future investments we are removing duplication, improving our operating efficiency and embracing next-generation technologies, like digitisation and automation to achieve this goal," an Optus spokesperson said.
Optus said it is talking to affected employees and discussing redeployment options where available.
"We are structuring our organisation to become the next-generation Optus and continue to meet the needs of our customers," the spokesperson said.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) of Australia called the announcement a "devastating blow" to Australian workers and their families.
"The drastic decision was announced today without any consultation with the union," it stated.
In May, it was revealed that Optus was planning to cut around 400 jobs as part of its plans to make a “step-change” in its efforts to remain buoyant in an increasingly competitive local telco market.
According to the CWU, with today's announcement, Optus has axed 1,000 jobs in four months.
“Optus management is showing clear contempt for its workforce by continuing to slash hundreds of jobs with absolutely no consultation with the workforce, while they’ve been sitting at the table with the union to bargain for a new Enterprise Agreement," CEPU Communications Union National president Shane Murphy said.
“The Union will be doing everything we can to assist the impacted workers during this incredibly difficult time. We will be working will Optus to ensure every single worker gets the entitlements they deserve.
“Their timing of these continuous and enormous job cuts demonstrates a reprehensible contempt for the Optus workforce.”
In May, Optus announced it was going to stop selling Virgin Mobile Australia services as of 15 June with all the retail stores under its outgoing Virgin Mobile brand set to be closed by the end of June.
By discontinuing the use of the brand, 200 Virgin Mobile jobs across Australia could be at risk.
Optus has previously said that it is working to find employment opportunities for Virgin Mobile Australia staff in other parts of its group of companies.
