When we updated you on JobKeeper payments and redundancies yesterday, we confirmed that Virgin Australia would be commencing JobKeeper payments from 30 March 2020 and re-crediting any annual leave or long service leave that team members have taken since 30 March 2020 as a result of being stood down.
The Voluntary Redundancy process (‘the VR EOI process’) is also almost complete and has succeeded in ensuring that as many as half of the Guest Services roles that the Company originally sought to make redundant will be taken up by team members who confirm a formal nomination for a VR.
ALL team members who expressed interest in a VR should have received a redundancy ‘quote’ by today and will continue to be able to formally nominate between now and 19 April 2020.
Virgin Australia confirms remaining staff continue to be eligible for JobKeeper payments
Virgin Australia have been in consultation with the USU/ASU for a number of weeks and we are pleased to let you know that they have proposed that all guest services staff who would otherwise have been impacted by a forced redundancy can remain employed up to 27 September 2020 – when JobKeeper payments expire – to enable you to continue receiving $1,500 per fortnight JobKeeper payments.
The general proposal includes an option for impacted staff to take redundancy now or voluntarily take up leave without pay (‘LWOP’) whilst receiving JobKeeper payments but not accruing leave.
This is a huge win for our members. However, the USU/ASU is still considering the proposal and have requested some further detail from Virgin Australia to explain their proposal.
We are due to meet with the Company again next Monday to discuss your feedback. If you have queries about the proposed forced redundancy proposal, please contact your Organiser before next Monday, 20 April 2020 to discuss your concerns.
Save Virgin Australia campaign
Yesterday Virgin Australia halted ASX trading and there is ongoing speculation about a federal government bail-out. We’re calling on the Government to protect Aviation Jobs – we’re asking members to tweet the PM @ScottMorrisonMP calling on him to #SaveVirgin #SaveAviation.
Your USU/ASU will be reaching out again today with more information about how you can help save Virgin Australia. Look out for the detailed update.
COVID-19 JobKeeper Webinar for USU/ASU Members (Special Event)
7.00pm AEST – Thursday 16 April 2020
ACTU Senior Policy Advisor Christopher Watts will explain what the JobKeeper package is, how it came to be and who is eligible to receive it. Chris will then be able to answer any questions that members have about the package.
Head to the ASU Career Launchpad member portal to register and find out more.
If you haven’t activated your ASU Career Launchpad account yet contact your branch for more information.
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 USU/ASU is with you every step of the way during this very difficult time.
