Proposed consolidation of Contact Centre Investigation & Express Parcels Freight Solutions Teams
On Friday last week, our Union received correspondence from the business that it had plans to create one integrated Express Parcels – Freight Investigation Team at its Melbourne Airport Operations. Our Union made contact with Toll and requested to meet in order to get some clarification on the proposal and what impact it may have on current employees within both teams if ultimately implemented. An online teleconference was held today with myself (ASU Organiser), Anna Di Sisto (ASU Delegate at Toll), Katrina de Lange Savage (GM – Employee Relations) and Damien Ryan where a number of points were raised and where our Union asked for some clarification on the proposal.
Toll identified that there is no plan to reduce employee numbers if and when this proposal is implemented and that part of the plan is to cross train staff from both teams in order to be able to cross utilise the skills and roles in the proposed Express Parcels – Freight Investigation Team. This would be done by a combination of formal and “Buddying” type training to complete this part of the integration and will be coordinated by the Operations Managers. The proposal would possibly impact approximately 36 staff in total currently made up of permanent and temporary employees across the 2 existing separate teams.
Today, impacted staff should have received a FAQ document which provides for clarification from Toll on some of the general questions they expected staff to raise. Management have also informed our Union that “tool box” meetings commenced today with all impacted staff and that they will continue to engage staff over the next few days and provide as much info as possible.
We asked Management to make considerations for anyone that may be unable to do perform repetitive or heavy manual handling tasks and also be mindful that if there are any proposed significant changes to current days / hours of work arrangements as part of the integration, that there may be individuals that may have difficulty or may not be able to work under those changes. Management confirmed they would work with any individual to try an accommodate a suitable solution if any of these or other similar examples arise. Management also confirmed that a “Medical assessment” will be required to be performed by each individual to ensure they will be able to do the standard Express Parcels Freight Solutions functions which my involve repetitive manual handling of items.
According to Management, there will be no change to anyone’s classification levels and no loss or reduction in wages as a result of the integration. There will be a small wage increase of 13 cents per hour for permanent employees.
At this stage, the proposal is intended to be rolled out and implemented on October 19th 2020 and we have asked Toll Management to keep our Union updated on any progress. If any member has any concerns or questions in relation to the above, please contact me at vjose@asupsvic.org