It is now clear that the COVID-19 outbreak will have a significant impact on the business, as well as the health and well-being of our community.
Menzies have just informed us that as of Monday 23 March they will be moving to a stand down. These are unprecedented times and things are changing so quickly. But we want to make sure that you know we will be by your side every step of the way.
Stand Downs
The company has entered into a discussion with us about stand downs. This is very serious – stand down is normally without pay – the ACTU’s advice to us is that unpaid stand downs are permitted once all other options have been exhausted.
Staff members will be able to access their accrued leave (annual leave, long service leave, TOIL, DIL) if eligible, or leave without pay.
Menzies will require some staff to work and we are working through the details of how such a plan could be implemented as fairly and equitably as possible. We are trying to maximise the ability for people to continue working.
Importantly, stand downs ensure that continuity of service is maintained and employment is maintained.
We’re in it for the long haul
We’ll continue to work with Menzies around the clock as we work through all the challenges faced due to the coronavirus.
Obviously information is changing quickly and we’re working through this one step at a time. As soon as we have any updates we’ll let you know.
Sign our petition calling on the government to support workers impacted by the coronavirus here
Speak with your ASU Organiser of local workplace delegates
If you have specific concerns you want the ASU to raise at consultation, please talk more with your Union delegates (Kitsa Lamberty and Peter Evans) or your Union organiser (Imogen Sturni) at isturni@asupsvic.org
