Your USU/ASU representatives met with Qantas on Monday 22 February and Thursday, 25 February. Discussions this week focused on the volume of cash sales on airport, waiting times at the contact centres, CSA assisted calls, the ‘priority’ phone number for on-airport calls to the contact centre, and the role of Level 4s and 5s in the new system, training, future state rosters, and the role of the CJO in the new system.
It’s clear to us that Qantas is only looking at the best-case possible scenarios for the new structure. They aren’t thinking through how things will work under the new structure when disruptions happen, technology fails or something unexpected goes wrong.
We have convinced management to urgently hold local working groups that actually discuss how disruptions would be managed without a sales desk. Qantas wants to open EOIs for sales desk staff next week. We’ve asked them to reconsider this plan, and delay the EOI till we have the information about what the future options actually look like. It’s too early in the process for Qantas to be sure to start closing the sales desk, when they can’t explain to us how they will deal with disruptions and what future rosters will look like. We are also worried that if the EOI is opened up now, we’ll lose the chance to find redeployments or job swaps.
We are also very concerned that Qantas’ plan is just pushing Level 5 work on to Level 3 and 4 employees.
We expect a response from the company by next Tuesday, 2 March 2021. If the company goes ahead with the EOI we will need to file a dispute in the Fair Work Commission.
The next consultation meeting is on 12 March 2021.
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.
Got a question?
Speak to your organiser for more information: Thomas Russell 0419 761 320
