During the EBA negotiations that were held yesterday (Wednesday 28 August) mediated by the Fair Work Commission Emirates said that the EBA that was previously overwhelmingly rejected by employees would again be issued for voting on, from Friday 5 September till Thursday 11 September. The ASU/ALAEA again advise members to vote NO, for the same principled reason as last time, the Emirates EBA is not fair to employees.
What happened at the Fair Work Commission?
The ASU/ALAEA and bargaining representatives attended the Fair Work Commission directed conference on Wednesday 28 August. Representatives for Emirates failed to front up instead brusquely dialling in on a teleconference. This raised suspicions as to how serious Emirates efforts are in making a fair EBA for employees.
These suspicions were confirmed when Emirates rejected an ASU/ALAEA compromise to make provision for breaks in the contact centre. Emirates were not even concerned to make a counter offer, or even to at least utilise the expertise of the independent Fair Work Commission to forge conditions that would be fair for everyone. Instead, after a day of mediation Emirates abruptly announced that the access period for the proposed EBA would begin from this Friday, with the voting to commence the following Friday.
What does this mean?
This is the same EBA already thoroughly rejected by employees. The arrogance and conceit from Emirates to not listen to employees' concerns is extraordinary and Emirates shouldn't be allowed to get away with this.
The EBA should be comprehensively rejected again. If this EBA is approved by employees it will send the message loud and clear to Emirates that they need never listen to employees' concerns again. This vote is as much about your future EBAs as this proposed EBA.
The fair deal put forward by the ASU/ALAEA is:
- 3% pa pay increases;
- Pay rises payable to all those at max level for grade;
- Paid breaks clause included;
- Increase redundancy;
- Fix international duty travel time;
- Delete split shifts clause 12.5; and
- Payment of back pay.
What happens next?
If Emirates are true to their word the EBA will be voted on from the 5th to 11th September. This proposed EBA should be again voted down and negotiations re-commence with Emirates treating their employees' views seriously and respectfully.
Further information?
For more information, please get in touch with your local contact (download the full bulletin below for details).
Emirates Bulletin, 28 August 2014