Today the ASU has met with team members from Workplace Relations to continue talks about the Voluntary Redundancy Expression Of Interest (the ‘VR EOI’) process under way with Guest Services ground crew.
Clarity around timeframes and process
The Company has confirmed further details, as follows:
- EOIs must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 2 April 2020 (tomorrow).
- Estimated eligible termination payment (‘the ETP’) will be provided by Friday 3 April 2020 to anyone who expressed interest for a VR.
- Team members have some time to consider ETPs but must confirm they want to be offered a VR by 12pm on Tuesday, 7 April 2020. If you want to be offered a VR, you should write to PeopleTeamQueries@virginaustralia.com and copy your Leader.
- Confirming your interest will not guarantee the redundancy will be offered.
- Criteria for selecting offers has been discussed with your Union who have locked-in a meeting with the Company this Friday to determine which team members can be made redundant through the voluntary process.
- The Company plans to issue redundancy letters no later than Thursday 9 April 2020, when employment would terminate due to redundancy on this date.
- Team members who are not selected for a redundancy will also be notified at the same time.
- The Company has also said that ETPs and other entitlements will be paid to you by Thursday 16 April 2020.
The ASU is still discussing whether additional compulsory Guest Services redundancies would be needed with the Company. We confirm that we won’t form a view on how to proceed until the voluntary process is finalised and further consultation has taken place.
Huge union win!
For the last three weeks the ASU along with other Australian unions have been campaigning relentlessly for a wage subsidy for workers to ensure members jobs are protected through the global pandemic – check out our update on the JobKeeper wage subsidy on our website - Federal Government Announcement JobKeeper payment.
We will also be in touch with ASU members at Virgin Australia about access to the subsidy very soon.
What are we doing?
We appreciate there is a lot to try to understand in a short period of time – if you have any questions or queries contact your Organisers on the numbers below.
We have also prepared a guide to what government assistance is available to you - check it out on our website — asu.asn.au.
Also we know this is a very stressful time, do not hesitate to seek assistance if you need it ...organisations like Lifeline 131114 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 are available if needed.
Remember your ASU is with you every step of the way during this very difficult time. Download the full bulletin here 
Virgin Australia Bulletin - 1 April 2020