This morning the ASU received confirmation from Qantas that the Flexible Rostering Preference Proof of Concept (POC) would be put on hold until genuine consultation has occurred and we are able to get answers to the many issues that have arisen from the proposed roster trial.
The ASU fully supports a roster system that provides as much flexibility to staff as possible and it is something we have continually pursued through EBA negotiations and at a local level. However, this flexibility should not come at the expense of earning capacity and a loss of conditions.
What we know so far
Your ASU representatives met with Qantas on Monday in an attempt to clarify the many questions we put to Qantas when the POC was announced over a month ago. The company was unable to provide answers to our concerns including:
- the potential loss of the 5th week of annual leave for some shiftworkers,
- the equitable distribution of shifts and shift penalties,
- leave loading,
- the process for higher duties and relieving shifts,
- the effect on current FWAs,
- how overtime will apply,
- availability of shift swaps, and that’s just the start.
The company has indicated that bidding preferences would be based on a ‘historical analysis of preferences awarded’ however we’re unsure how that would look in reality.
The ASU also raised concerns as to how accurate the trial roster would be given it only covers a 4 week period and wouldn’t include shift swaps or shift changes.
Where to from here?
We understand that staff want increased flexibility from their roster but we are not convinced that the current proposal addresses the concerns raised by staff.
Qantas need to genuinely consult with all staff and your union rather than relying on feedback from a select group of individuals chosen to participate in roster forums.
We have committed to working with Qantas to establish a fair and transparent trial process. If Qantas is serious about providing a flexible roster system for staff it’s crucial that they don’t cut corners. We’ve seen that before with rosters and we know it doesn’t work.
A meeting of the National Airport Rostering Committee is scheduled for the 17th of July. We will continue to update members as any new information becomes available.
