ASU representatives met with Menzies management to discuss the stand down of employees. Discussion focused on employee’s access to leave during the shutdown, and the allocation of work. We have asked that employees be given the opportunity to opt out from work during the stand down. This will help some members plan for the future, and make more work available for those who do want. For those who want to work, we’ve agreed with management that work must be allocated to the people with the right skills in the most transparent and fair way possible. They are considering the best way to do this.
We expect Menzies to issue stand down letters to staff today, up to 31 May. Importantly, stand downs ensure that continuity of service is maintained and employment is maintained.
Menzies is preparing an FAQ that will cover all these items. We’re working with management to make sure it answers all your questions.
Carparking
We asked Menzies to stop deducting car parking fees during the stand down, and they have agreed! PAX employees in all ports will not be charged for parking from 23 March.
Centrelink
Many people are now saying they need letters from the Menzies Aviation to be able to access Jobseeker payments. There is conflicting advice from Centrelink about the requirements to access Jobseeker payments and we are trying to confirm exactly what they require. We have asked Menzies to issue you with a stand down letter that clearly explains the period you have been stood down.
We are also trying to clarify what the position is in accessing Jobseeker payments if you have accumulated annual leave and long service leave. The Federal Treasurer announced on TV earlier this week that you had to exhaust your leave before being able to access Jobseeker payments –that is also the advice from the ACTU. But other sources are saying different things including Centrelink.
