Even though there is a dispute over the dodgy AHSA agreement that Dnata is trying to push through Fair Work, we still have to commence negotiations for your current Agreement which expires this year.
It is very important that we continue to maintain your current EBA’s. We therefore need to start negotiations for the Ramp and Cargo EBA as well as the PAX EBA’s in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
What is the first step?
Notice of Employee Representational Rights (NERR)
The Fair Work Act requires Dnata to provide all employees who are to be covered by, or, proposed to be covered by your EBA with a letter outlining your rights. We expect Dnata to send out the letter within the next day or so.
Negotiators of EBAs are called “bargaining representatives”
Members of the ASU do not have to do anything about the appointment of a bargaining representative – the ASU is automatically your bargaining representative and the ASU Negotiating Team will be made up of ASU delegates and officials who will conduct the negotiations for ASU members.
You do not need to do anything, the NERR is a legal procedural notice advising people of their rights.
EBA Negotiations and your input
The ASU will most definitely ensure that all members get the opportunity to have a say in the issues that are important to you.
As we have always done in the past we will provide all members with a survey to complete and return to us. Once surveys are returned and the results collated the ASU will hold members meetings to show you the survey results and allow you the opportunity vote on any claims that we serve on the company before we formally serve them.
Initial EBA Meeting
You may have heard that there is a proposed date for the first meeting to occur for your EBA’s (19 April). This is correct, however, we are still trying to finalise the details of this meeting with the company.
At this first meeting the company will no doubt present to us its position and their expectations for the upcoming negotiations. Rest assured that the ASU will not be presenting a log of claims at this meeting, we will ensure that you have your say via ASU surveys and members meetings before we meet again with the company. Your delegates will also be involved in the meeting. This first meeting is for the ASU and your delegates to gain a better understanding of Dnata’s expectations and to outline a timetable for negotiations.
Keep the pressure on
We must keep the pressure on Dnata in relation to the AHSA agreement. Please make sure you attend any union meetings and keep up to date with our bulletins about not only AHSA but also the upcoming negotiations for your current EBA’s.
Most importantly, JOIN YOUR UNION.
In Unity,
Ingrid Stitt
Branch Secretary