ASU delegates and officials again met with Qantas domestic airports' management to get both an update on the restructuring plans for service and sales desk and baggage services but also to hear what decisions had been made about the management restructure.
On the plans for service and sales desk and baggage services and the restructure of regional ports – no final decision has been made but it is clear that Qantas is listening to the strong points that your delegates have been making about the work performed in these important roles and the role of level 5s at regional airports.
We have been critically examining the proposed rosters and pointing out the difficulties with a range of the proposals. No final decision has been made and we expect a further meeting after 28th April 2014 – though no firm date is set yet.
Voluntary redundancies/EOIs
Qantas has not made a final decision on how many voluntary redundancies to accept from those that have expressed an interest. We know that the company are now saying they will make a decision and let people know in May 2014, exactly when in May is not clear. We continue to maintain that a proper process is in place for determining which EOIs are accepted but no firm decision on final numbers or selection process has been made. We expect more discussion on this issue at our next meeting.
Leadership restructure
Qantas management tabled their decision on the new leadership structure. We are not convinced that the reduction in the number of level 8 jobs for customer service supervisors is justified and is going to work particularly given the added responsibilities of the new airport customer experience managers which goes beyond the responsibilities of the duty managers.
We think that not having concourse customer service supervisors is a retrograde step that will affect the operation and we will continue to argue about this structure. We are also concerned about the added responsibilities of baggage services for CSSs.
Qantas says that they will not force compulsory redundancy on any level 8 customer service supervisors as a result of this restructure. We urge members to consider this undertaking before indicating whether they want to stay at Qantas or leave.
Level 6 baggage services supervisors are also affected by the proposal. We think there will be other jobs available for job swaps and so if you are affected and want to stay at Qantas make sure you indicate you want to be involved in searching for other job opportunities that match your skills and abilities.
We also have a number of members impacted by the other proposed changes and will be working hard to assist with job swaps and process to mitigate compulsory redundancies. If you are affected and want advice or assistance make sure to talk to your local ASU organiser or delegate.
The ASU continues to fight to save jobs and minimise the need for compulsory redundancies.
What next?
There is still a lot of work to be done and arguments to be had – your ASU delegates are fighting all the way. We expect another meeting with the company after 28th April 2014. We will let you know as soon as a date is locked in. [download the full bulletin below for details].
Qantas Group Bulletin Airport Restrucutre