As we’re still reeling from the critical incident at T3 on Saturday 3 May, we wanted to provide you with an update on some of the work of your union delegates and representatives have put into protecting your safety at work, not just at Qantas but at all airlines.
Your union has been in touch with the SafeWork Inspector who is running the investigation into the 3 May incident and providing them with information and updates to assist their inquiries. If you know or become aware of any safety matters that may assist in the SafeWork investigation, please reach out to your union delegates, HSRs, Safety Committee or contact USU.
No matter which airline you work for, or where you work, your employer has a duty of care to ensure you are safe at work. If you see or hear about a workplace health and safety issue, make sure you report it, and remember that you have the right to remove yourself from an unsafe work environment.
This became all too clear with a recent incident at Virgin, where members working in baggage services raised a safety concern around isolated work in the evenings. Members acted quickly to notify the USU, educate themselves and colleagues on their rights regarding safety at work, and we have put Virgin on notice that our members have the right to refuse unsafe work.
Together, we can work to ensure that all airlines sit up and take notice – that we won’t stand for inaction or passing the buck when it comes to fixing safety issues at work.
By your side
