Today you would have received an email from Daniela Marsilli outlining Dnata’s decision to buy out Toll’s share of the business making the company 100% owned by Dnata.
In the communication Daniela stated;
“Toll Group and dnata have reached an agreement that will see dnata acquire Toll’s 50 per cent share in the company. This transaction is subject to approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). Approval is expected within two months and we expect the 100 per cent ownership by dnata to be completed by 31 January 2015.”
Daniela continued on to say that;
“dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers, and has been on a path of impressive growth on a global level. Its reputation as a trusted provider of ground handling, catering, cargo and travel services is well established, and we will be looking to continue to leverage on this expertise and experience to help us deliver a business in Australia that we can all be proud of.”
Unfortunately the only reference to the employees of Toll Dnata appears to an attempt to influence you in respect to your terms and conditions of employment. She has gone on to say:
“However, we should remember that the business is operating under very difficult trading conditions and has been impacted by volatility in cargo volumes, escalating costs and very aggressive competition which has resulted in lost contracts. We cannot be complacent and underestimate the size of the challenge ahead of us – this news is not a “get out of jail free card”.
“Now and more so than ever, we will need to ensure that the way we conduct our business and our employment practices and terms and conditions are fluid, cost effective and responsive to meet the market demands”
In the view of the ASU it will be important to get assurances from Dnata about the current EBA provisions – not to mention those we are seeking to re-negotiate in the current bargaining!
In addition we will be seeking assurances from Dnata about all staff entitlements and further details from the company about the structure of the new company and the employing entity.
What has the ASU done?
Since being made aware of this announcement we have had discussions with a senior Dnata representative who has assured us that there will be absolutely no change to the day to day operation of the business or the ongoing EBA negotiations. It is still Dnata’s intent to continue on with the business and to continue to negotiate with the Union for new EBA’s.
Any change to this will immediately be reported, however rest assured that the ASU will be ensuring that any and all avenues will be explored to ensure that we hold Dnata to this commitment and to hold them to account if they try to differ from this position.
The union will write to Toll Dnata seeking the appropriate assurances and we will keep you updated.
So for now it is business as usual and you should not be afraid to pursue a fair and reasonable pay outcome through the EBA negotiations.
For further information please contact your local ASU Delegate or ASU Organiser Matt Norrey.