Telephone Usage Policy

This policy outlines the use of company’s cell phones at work, the personal use of business and the policy regarding the safe use of cell phones by employees.

Personal use of the company’s telephone for long-distance and toll calls is permitted only with the permission of Curtin management and a telephone access code will be assigned to the employee.

Managers and employees are responsible for adherence to company policy.

Employees in possession of University equipment (e.g., cellular phones, etc.) are expected to protect the equipment from loss, damage or theft. Upon resignation, termination of employment, or at any time upon request, the employee will be asked to produce the equipment for return or inspection.
Employees unable to present the equipment in good working condition within a reasonable time period (i.e., 24 hours) will bear the cost of a replacement.

Employees who separate from employment with outstanding debts for equipment loss or unauthorized charges will be considered to have left employment on unsatisfactory terms and may be subject to legal action for recovery of the loss. Any outstanding debt will be deducted from the employee’s final pay check.

Rationale

• The Curtin incurs substantial expenses relative to its telephone system, which has been installed and is maintained solely for the purpose of making and receiving telephone calls related to company business.
• Cellular telephones may not be used to defame, harass, intimidate, or threaten any other person.) Employees are prohibited from using their cell phones in any illegal, illicit or offensive manner.
• Individuals who spend excessive amounts of time on personal telephone calls cannot effectively fulfil the duties of their jobs and may be disruptive to their colleagues.
• Personal calls must be kept at a minimum, whether made on a company phone or cell phone

Eligibility
This policy applies to all employees of Curtin Malaysia and its participating subsidiaries who are based in Miri Sarawak, locations of Curtin University.

Applying the Policy

• Abuse of this policy will be treated like other performance problems.
• Although some personal telephone calls are necessary, these should be kept as brief as possible.
• Recognizing the employees who live outside the campus they may need to place calls using company’s cell phone to vendors and colleagues during off office hours or during weekend.
• Individuals may not use cameras, including those on cell phones, to take unauthorized photographs and videos.
• As business needs dictate, departments and locations may decide to expand this policy as follows around the use of cell phones. Cell phones must be:
  1. Turned on in work locations or left on an inaudible setting during the meeting.
  2. Used away from co-workers in non-work related areas such as outside, in lobbies, empty conference rooms, halls and/or stairwells.
  3. Used before or after the department’s work hours or on breaks, if applicable.

Failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action, including and up to termination.