As you are no doubt aware the ASU has been negotiating your EBA for some time now. The good news is that we believe we are ready to bring the agreement out to you for a vote.
The reason that negotiations have taken a considerable period of time is because we needed to ensure that we delivered the best possible outcome for ASU members and the takeover by Dnata delayed discussions as well.
Initially the companies offers were substandard. They were not prepared to pay back pay, the annual increases were poor and there were many other issues that would have impacted negatively on members if a deal had been accepted earlier.
ASU Substantially improves offer.
The ASU believes that we now have a substantially better offer that provides for decent pay increases, full back pay and a variety of other improvements around consultation and union involvement in improving rosters, work force mix and the like.
Additionally the agreements needed considerable changes to the wording and redrafting of many clauses. It was Important to ensure that everything was drafted properly and reflected what was agreed during negotiations.
Whilst the agreement has taken some time to finalise we have made sure that we have secured back pay which will be paid as soon as the EBA has been formerly voted on by you and certified by the Fair Work Commission.
What’s next?
The ASU will be conducting meetings in the workplace on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September to take you through the detail of the agreement and to ask you to vote to ensure that you are happy with it.
We have arranged for the company to extend shifts by half an hour and schedule everyone to attend a meeting, it is extremely important that you attend.
The meetings will be taking place at the following times;
Wednesday 16 September at 0800, 0930, 1100, 1130
Thursday 17 September at 1345, 1700, 1830
If you have any questions please speak to your delegates, Maria Scafi or Shijo Thomas or contact Matt Norrey or Kristy McNicol from the ASU on 9342-3300.