The ASU understands Serco Services Australia members are now being trained in the Older Australians line and some employees at Essendon are also being trained in processing.
Whilst the ASU welcomes new opportunities for members, the question has to be asked, who benefits from this upskilling?
Serco is paid by the client, Services Australia, for the work you do, so extra skills or services performed by ASU members are a great benefit to Serco.
But despite the upskilling and additional training, there is no proposed pay increase for employees who actually perform this work.
Is this fair? The ASU doesn’t believe so.
This is not a new phenomenon however, Serco is quick to provide their employees with additional duties but is reluctant to match these obligations with an increase pay.
Consider floorwalkers, who provide assistance and support to telephony agents for no extra pay?
The reality is the Contract Call Centre Award does not provide employees with the pay or conditions they deserve.
This is why the ASU is so determined to fight for a better deal for Serco Members. We need a Union Agreement which recognises the difficulty of the work performed and the responsibilities required.
ASU members need to begin raising awareness of our campaign for fair pay. Talk to your co-workers about the work they perform, and ask them if they believe the rate of pay is appropriate. Ask you co-workers to join the ASU to help fight for a fair deal.
You can join the ASU at www.asuvic.org or contact your Organiser John Weber at jweber@asupsvic.org.
By your side,
Matt Norrey
Branch Secretary
