The ASU National Negotiating Team (NNT) met with Virgin management on 14th February 2013 (Valentine's Day) for our 3rd bargaining meeting about the new Ground Crew Agreement.
We were waiting expectantly for some positive responses from Virgin management to the detailed clauses that we had tabled at our two previous meetings on 19th December 2012 and 4th January 2013.
Unfortunately your NNT were sadly disappointed at management's reaction which can be summarised as "NO, NO, NO and NO" to even the simplest claims like better break rooms and facilities, fairer rostering, better equipment and proper training when dealing with passengers with disability and so it went on.....
We want a simple agreement says management
Virgin management say that they want to continue the current agreement with a change in the remuneration package and a slight change to the consultation provisions.
The company are also proposing clauses about conversion of part time jobs to full time and the use of labour hire and outsourced staff. Your NNT think these proposals are pretty "wishy washy" and don't go anywhere near what we want and need.
On the money side of things we believe we can do better – the current proposal does not recognise the increased work and responsibility of Guest Services and the Contact Centre post the introduction of SABRE or how under the pump everyone is with the new systems and new products and changes. This proposal is not a good deal for anyone.
Bringing back the romance?
We are not disheartened that management has said "No" first off. That is usually what happens in bargaining. If management knows ASU members are not happy with what is proposed then "NO" can change to "YES".
In the end everyone gets a vote on whether to accept or reject this proposed agreement. Your NNT know that you deserve a great agreement and that we should not accept anything less and we should keep pressing for what we want.
What next?
We have asked Virgin for information to assist us in bargaining. We have still not received all that we have asked for. If we don't get the information we will have to assess our options.
Our next meeting is tentatively scheduled for 1st March 2013. We will report back after that meeting.
Your NNT has again requested a meeting with the Pit Crew Union, the TWU. We are keen to work together to get the best agreement possible. We are waiting to hear back from the TWU about when we can meet.
What can you do?
Now more than ever it is time to join the ASU – you can join on line at www.asu.asn.au/asujoin.
If you would like to help with the campaign for a great agreement you can also contact your local ASU representative to volunteer.
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