Your ASU delegates met with dnata Catering representatives in Brisbane on Tuesday, 28 August 2018 to talk about the purchase of Q Catering. Our message to dnata was that ASU members at Q Catering are united and ready to do whatever is necessary to protect our jobs, pay and conditions.
What do we know about dnata?
dnata is a global airline services business based in Dubai. In Australia, the catering business is called dnata Catering Pty Ltd. Their business is focused on catering – they tell us they are looking to offer a quality product.
dnata is very different to Qantas. The systems they use in the other parts of their business are less sophisticated. They do not really have any experience of running a catering business like Q Catering in Australia. They are going to need your skills and experience to stop everything falling apart.
The other workers in your classifications at dnata do not have an EBA. We will need to work to change that.
What commitments do we have about job security?
dnata tells us that the message for day one after the sale is ‘Status Quo’. They are going to be looking at the business after the sale date, and there may be changes further down the line. dnata says that might be in 2 or 3 years.
We’ve told dnata that the culture at Qantas is to commence consultation before a decision has been made to restructure or make people redundant. We expect them to maintain this culture. dnata has told us they are committed to consultation above the legal requirements.
When is the sale happening? How much notice will I get?
dnata says that the sale date is close – it’s probably going to be in October. But it could be later. Let’s hope it’s not during the peak period.
You may not get much notice of the final sale date. The sale contract says that the sale happens on the first day of the month on which all the conditions of the sale are. You could get a few weeks’ notice or just a few days.
What next?
We have only short time left! We need to win better staff travel entitlements and secure your profit bonus. Ask your colleagues to join our union, the ASU, and get active in our campaign to win our profit bonuses now.
Your delegates will meet with Qantas and dnata again before the sale date.
Got any questions
Speak to your organiser for more information: (download the full bulletin below for details) 
Qantas Bulletin -QCatering 30 August 2018