Consultation about flexible work arrangements at Virgin

The USU/ASU has been advised that Virgin will shortly be commencing consultations with part-time employees who have flexible work arrangements that limit their work to 3 days a week.

The reason these discussions are happening is because under the new Enterprise Agreement Virgin must give all part-time employees a minimum of 25 hours of work a week. Part time employees who are limited to 3 days a week cannot be rostered for 25 hours a week because part-time employees have a maximum shift length of 8 hours.

During negotiations, Virgin assured us that everyone with existing flexible work arrangements will be able to continue those arrangements, they would just need to sign an individual flexibility agreement that allowed them to roster those employees for less than 25 hours a week.

However, we have now been advised by Virgin that it is reconsidering this position and it may seek to make changes to these arrangements for greater “efficiency”. We have told Virgin that would be completely unacceptable.

What’s the next step?

Before Virgin makes a decision about the way forward, it is going to consult each affected employee to find out whether you want to keep working only 3 days a week, or whether some other arrangement would suit you better.

Once Virgin has all this information it will again consult with the USU/ASU before making a decision on how to proceed. We will be arguing very strongly for members to maintain their existing flexible work arrangements.

We expect consultations to start next week. If you would like any further information please contact your local USU/ASU representative.

Key Pointers:

• The point of this process is for Virgin to find out your preferences – so be open and honest about your preferences
• Do not feel forced to say you want more hours or less hours, or that you want to work more days or less days
• This process is only for employees with flexible work arrangements that limit work to 3 days a week. Contact the union immediately if you are approached to be consulted but do not fit into this category
• The USU/ASU is defending each member’s right to their existing flexible working arrangements.  

If you have any queries, you can contact your local organiser.

Your Local USU/ASU Organisers:

Your USU/ASU workplace representatives: