In March the ASU served your EBA claims and commenced negotiations with Menzies for a new EBA. Along with your ASU Delegates we argued for a fair pay rise, increased parental leave, increased superannuation, better access to annual leave and improved rostering practices.
During the negotiations there was a significant setback with dnata setting up a new entity that significantly undercut current aviation conditions of employment. Menzies told us that they would not be able to compete if the new entity was able to continue unimpeded in the industry.
Due to this development Menzies raised its concerns and subsequently put to your representatives a position of doing a short term agreement. They also said that they could not drastically increase their cost base until they could better understand the impacts that it may face with the attack on working conditions by the new entity set up by Dnata.
Current Climate
Unfortunately recent years have seen the emergence or growth of a number of ground handling companies that are prepared to slash working conditions and whose low pay/low cost model threatens to undermine hard fought for conditions in unionised workforces like Menzies.
The Union has absolutely taken up the fight to go after the less reputable employers across the industry and we are confident that we will beat off this latest attack on workers conditions. However, the threat is real.
What’s in the proposed new EBA?
- 18 month agreement, nominal expiry of 31 December 2018
- One off payment of $800 for Part Time and $1,200 for Full Time employees
- 2% wage increase from July 2018
- Five days’ paid Domestic Violence Leave
- Ability to cashing out of annual leave
- Expand the current pay structure at level 3 to allow more increments for new level three employees
- A statement in the agreement recognising that Menzies will seek to accommodate flexible working arrangements where operational circumstances permit
- A statement in the agreement that recognises the importance of EEO at Menzies
- No other changes to conditions
If this EBA is accepted we will literally be back at the negotiating table in 8 months’ time and we will be expecting Menzies to reward you for your assistance this time around.
What feedback have we received from members nationally?
After extensive meetings where hundreds of employees have been spoken to and provided detailed information the overwhelming majority of employees nationally have said that we should accept the EBA.
Of course everyone would like more money and a longer term agreement however given the current circumstances they will be voting yes because that will lock in and protect all current terms and conditions, no one will be worse off. There is a modest pay increase as well as some additional improvements to the EBA.
How should I vote?
The ASU recommends that you vote yes.
Based on the current climate and the unparalleled attack on airline workers terms and conditions and the overwhelming national support for the EBA we recommend that you vote yes.
Voting begins on 18 October and closes on 21 October for the next Menzies EBA. It is important that everybody votes.
Please make sure you vote, it is very important that you register your support for the agreement.