The ASU has been made aware of issues around rostering practices and changes to shift swapping that is impacting on ASU members.
The issues raised directly with us include;
- the requirement of 2 physical signatures on shift swap forms and the difficulty associated with getting the form countersigned in a shift-work environment where you may not always see each other
- the ability at some levels to do swaps is extremely limited if you are not cross trained on multiple carriers.
- the ability to be rostered additional shifts or pick up overtime is difficult if you are not cross trained on other carriers.
- the belief that hours of work, the number of shifts, the distribution of extra hours is not done on a fair and equitable basis.
Members have told us that whilst they recognise shiftwork will never be perfect, that you at least expect;
- to be treated equally
- to have the same ability to earn a similar income as everyone else,
- that shifts and hours are fairly and equitably distributed.
- that there’s the ability to swap shifts with workmates to assist with work, life, balance and the ability to access days off that are needed to attend appointments, family and social events where possible.
What is being done?
Over the last week there have been a couple of meetings with management and there’s another scheduled for next week with a list of things we want fixed and improved. We have however rectified some issues and received the following commitments so far.
So far dnata have agreed that;
- you will not be required to have two physical signatures to swap a shift and the previous processes will apply.
- they will put out an EOI starting with level 7’s to see who would like to be cross trained on other carriers to make shift swapping and additional hours more easily accessible.
- they will not differentiate between someone that’s on a flat rate or base and penalties when approving a swap. They will not be able to say no based on how you choose to be paid.
What we intend to pursue further.
We have made it clear that the ASU expects that;
- ASU members get access to their fair share of hours, shifts, overtime.
- available hours are rostered fairly and as equally as possible on the published rosters
- extra hours are fairly distributed.
We’ve made it very clear that any favouritism for extra hours must stop immediately. Giving someone a lot of hours and another person the minimum, is not fair and wrong!
The ASU will not tolerate any less than this principle and neither should you!
Where to next?
We have another meeting scheduled and we will continue to argue for proper processes, systems of work, rostering arrangements and that the principles of fairness and equality are put in place and supported by local agreements in writing so that there are very clear and irrefutable protections and process that must be adhered to.
What do you need to do?
To help us ensure that we are pursuing the right issues and that everyone is behind what we are fighting for we will be releasing a very short survey to all ASU members asking for your input about what concerns you most about rostering, how you feel about the current fairness of the system and what you want future arrangements to look like.
We will then hold members meetings to provide you the results of the survey and ask you to vote on what you want us to continue to fight for.
ASU members must work together and collectively to ensure we achieve the best outcomes. We must stick together, and we must agree to fight for outcomes that are fair for everyone.
Download a full copy of the bulletin here
In solidarity
Matt Norrey
ASU Branch Secretary