The ASU again met with the company on 15 October where we questioned the accuracy of some of the responses we had received from them, namely:
- The security reasons sighted by Jetstar as an impediment to the staff bus dropping off Jetstar staff outside terminal 3
- The walk between terminal 4 and terminal 1 being undercover and inside the terminal building
We highlighted at the meeting that our research indicates that there are no security issues associated with a drop off point opposite terminal 3. We have independently spoken with Melbourne Airport about this.
Our preferred option is that staff will still be able to park at Annandale Rd and take a Qantas Group staff bus to the airport and be dropped off as close to terminal 4 as possible – we have indicated that terminal 3 would be acceptable to us.
OHS Concerns
The ASU reiterated quite forcefully that we remain concerned with the many OHS and security issues associated with staff using the commercial long-term car park with the travelling public. A number of ASU members have also asked about what would happen if they were injured in the commercial car-park and whether they would be covered by Workers Compensation in such circumstances. For many reasons we don’t believe this is an acceptable or adequate solution.
We also noted that once the final flight closes at Virgin it is not possible to walk within the terminal building between Terminal 3 & 4 as the security check-point is closed once the Virgin operation closes for the night. We remain very concerned with Jetstar staff being expected to walk late at night outside the airport building between Terminal 4 and 2 in order to get to Terminal 1 where the staff bus pick up point is. We believe that Jetstar has a duty of care to ensure that staff are not exposed to this risk.
Qantas asked to step in.
The ASU also indicated that we will be seeking that Qantas become involved in these discussions given that the company have advised us that it is Qantas objecting to a Jetstar staff drop off point at Terminal 3 which we find unlikely.
Until such time as these matters are adequately addressed, and as an interim measure, the ASU has indicated that the sign on / swipe station for all Jetstar staff should remain at Terminal 1. This will avoid the ridiculous proposition that Jetstar staff arrive for work at Terminal 1, walk to Terminal 4 to sign on and then potentially walk back to Terminal 2 for an International shift, all before their allocated start time. The ASU estimates that this would add at least half an hour (possibly longer) to the travel time for ground staff before their shift commences.
We think it is unfair that our members are effectively being expected to fund the move to terminal 4 because of a lack of adequate infrastructure being provided by the company. Therefore its appropriate for us to seek to involve Qantas in these discussions.
We will keep you informed – Don’t feel pressured to select an option yet.
We will continue to keep you updated. We still advise that it would be unwise to make a decision or to complete any paperwork highlighting your preferred option at this time until the matters are resolved.
If you feel pressured into making a decision please contact us immediately.
Stay strong, stay united.