Yesterday your ASU reps and WPCC (Workplace Consultative Committee) members met with management to discuss the feedback provided on the ‘roster optimisation project’.
It is clear that the majority of staff have rejected the company’s 5/2 proposal, especially given the extreme variability of wages should it have been implemented. Incredibly, however, the company have had to backtrack on their initial 6/3 proposal due to issues with their calculations.
Virgin have now said there are issues with their original 6/3 proposal and will now require staff to work an additional 6 hour shift each 9 week roster period, rather than an additional 8 hour shift per quarter, as per the original correspondence. In short, that means less days off.
What we’ve been able to confirm so far:
- The ASU has requested, and received, ‘live’ roster examples to ensure that the company’s calculations of hours worked are correct (considering the previous issues with payroll we were a bit sceptical).
- The changes should not affect jobshare staff as they are currently being paid for hours worked.
- Staff will be able to apply for annual leave, or take personal leave as required, for additional shifts as per the standard processes. The company have not yet confirmed if DIL days can be used but have committed to getting back to us.
- Management were not able to commit to an implementation date but are hoping it will be ASAP. They are expecting to communicate a final decision to staff next week.
What else we’ve put to the company:
- That staff should be able to nominate a preferred date for the extra shift each roster period. This will be particularly important for those with approved leave who have factored in their existing days off. The company have said they will look into this.
- That the company should consider an exclusion period for any forced extra shifts over the Christmas and New Year period.
Given this current project, and the recent annual leave review, it is clear that it is all take and no give at Virgin. How many times have you stayed back 10-15 minutes to help out? And how much does it cost to fly a plane all over Melbourne for a Grand Final Day stunt? Or the upgrades and waved baggage fees for certain people? Funny how they always seem to find the money when it suits.
We will keep members informed of developments.
Need further information?
Should you require any further information please contact your local ASU delegates or organiser, Imogen Sturni, on 0433 339 656.
You can also stay up-to-date with all the latest ASU news at Virgin by liking us on Facebook – facebook.com.au/ASUVirgin.