ASU members have contacted us about Qantas Group media release published today.
The ASU has had a number of informal discussions with key Workplace Relations team members over the last month about what analysis the business has been considering to address the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak impact on demand for flights.
It is now clear that the COVID-19 outbreak will have a significant impact on global and domestic airlines travel, as well as the health and well-being of our community.
Qantas Group update on coronavirus response
The Qantas Group have notified us that they will be implementing the following measures from the end of March 2020 onwards:
- Group International capacity cuts to remain in place until the end of May 2020.
- Group Domestic capacity cuts to remain in place until end of May 2020, reflecting a rapid decline in forward bookings.
- Grounding of around 150 aircraft.
Regular consultation meetings with decision makers
The conditions of your agreement oblige the business to consult with us about measures to mitigate the impact of reduced flight demand on that they intend to explore, before any decisions are made.
We spoke again with Maciek Zielinski earlier today – Jetstar’s Employee Relations Advisor. We confirmed that in view of the recent Qantas Group announcements the ASU is seeking to commence weekly briefings with Company decision makers and for those meetings to include your local workplace delegates.
A date for meetings to commence has not been fixed. If we cannot secure regular meetings we will have to seek the intervention of the independent umpire – the Fair Work Commission.
Speak with ASU Organisers or ASU delegates about your concerns.
If you have any other concerns about your welfare at work you can always talk more with your Union delegate, your Union organiser or contact your branch.
Jetstar Bulletin ASU statement on Coronavirus 170320