Meetings with Qantas on the Collective Agreement Negotiations (EBA 8)
and the consolidation of the Award into the Collective Agreement
continue. This has been an exhaustive process as the National
Negotiating Team and management have had to meet on both EBA issues and
consolidation of Award conditions separately as some issues fall in the
prohibited matters area Qantas Domestic Further to the Level 2 Position to look after the Self-check kiosks, the Union is still in dispute over the classification of these staff, however these positions are now permanent. Qantas is about to undertake training of all Airport staff in the new check-in system, this will involve training existing staff and some temporary staff to cover the training schedule. The Union has been involved nationally and locally in negotiations to facilitate this programme. Staffing levels at airports have been a contentious issue for some time.
Qantas Holidays & Retail Despite Qantas closing all its retail outlets except for a few Capital City flagship offices, on the 18th October management confirmed that talks had been held with several parties including Jetset Travelworld to access the retail market. However, the discussions were preliminary and not at a level where a deal could be done. Qantas chief financial officer Peter Gregg said the review of its restructuring opportunities for its wholesale holiday’s business was at an early stage. “Qantas has looked at many alternatives over an extended period, including preliminary discussions with a number of parties including Jetset Travelworld." However management has yet to hold discussions with the Union on this issue. This development could have major impact on our members in these areas.
Qantas Payroll and Other Areas Qantas payroll staff have been subjected to enormous pressure to improve their performance. The problem however appears to be caused by management’s reduction of staff in the area and attempt to introduce automated rostering systems that are not yet compatible to the other systems being used. Other errors are caused by new managers trying to change the interpretation and application of certain award clauses and provisions. Meetings with senior management are continuing.
Eastern Airlines Meetings have been held with Eastern Airlines regarding the rollover of the Collective Agreement and consolidation of the Award. Eastern Management claim the Union will not agree on any claims. So far they have not put forward any wage increase but want the Union to agree to an increased span of hours which will reduce the penalty rates paid to shift workers and change the hours of day work and also consent to management's ability to change rosters at will.
Jetstar The Jetstar Collective Agreement 3 negotiations have concluded with 94% of the staff who cast a vote voting YES to the Agreement.
The Agreement has retained all previous EBA conditions and improved some, increased some key pay rates, improved consultation and access to DiLs and annual leave. Staff can now access 104 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The agreement also makes provision for an early 3% pay rise and a sign on bonus of $750.
Jetstar has also now notified staff and the Union that they intend to introduce self service Kiosk check-in at their main airports.
International Airlines The decision by Emirates to move their head office to Sydney will require a concerted effort to expand the Union membership in the Airline, as Sydney was a smaller operation with few members. They are currently on a non-union agreement that expires in December 2007. Emirates have notified Menzies, their current ground handling agent that an Emirates’ owned company will be doing the check in functions from November. This is not an Airline company and will more than likely look at employing staff on AWAs .
