Following the closure of EOIs for Flexible Working Arrangements (FWAs), Virgin have advised the USU/ ASU that they may not be in a position to accept some requests in Melbourne and Sydney. This is not good enough. The USU/ASU is committed to fight for all members who are impacted by this decision.
Existing Flexible Working Arrangements expired during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virgin Australia had committed to recognising these existing arrangements until the end of RP7, with team members required to submit new applications for RP8 onwards.
The USU/ASU has been advised that Virgin may not be able to accept all of the applications for FWAs made in Sydney and Melbourne, and that some applications won’t be able to be granted in their entirety. Management claim that, based on current staffing levels, too many requests for FWAs have been submitted in Melbourne and Sydney. All requests in Adelaide and Brisbane will be accommodated. The majority of Jobshare requests will be accommodated at each port with arrangements renewed until 11 July 2022. Virgin will also continue to maintain a Jobshare waitlist at each port.
It seems once again that management’s decision to let too many people go through the LWOP process is disadvantaging hardworking staff who have stuck it out at the airport throughout this pandemic.
Your union will be working with all USU/ASU members who have been impacted by this decision. Virgin must do more to ensure that FWA requests are accommodated, and a mutually agreed position is reached.
If you are unhappy with the outcome of your request or have any questions, please contact your USU/ASU organiser ASAP (details below). Members are encouraged to arrange a meeting with their Crew Culture Manager, and we will absolutely attend any meetings with you.
The USU/ASU will ensure that Virgin Australia have complied with their obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) to consider each team members’ request for Flexible Working Arrangements. A request can only be refused based on ‘reasonable business grounds’. We will explore all avenues if the company does not meet its obligations.
The USU/ASU understands that Virgin will be notifying team members of the response to their requests for Flexible Working Arrangements on Thursday, 17 June 2021.
Please contact your organiser if you require support through this process.
If you have any questions about this email or need any assistance at work, please contact your USU organiser Thomas Russell on 0419 761 320 or via email at trussell@usu.org.au
