Virgin Australia had told employees that the vote for the new enterprise agreement would commence this week. However, the Airline has not sent the proposed agreement to employees in line with its legal obligations – this makes it impossible for the vote to start this week.
Virgin Australia must send the proposed agreement to employees for consideration for seven clear days before any vote is to commence.
While Virgin has failed to distribute the proposed agreement, Bain continues to profit from your hard work. The Australia Financial Review (dated 10 May 2023) reports that Bain will pocket $730 million from the Airline. Meanwhile offering its employees a measly pay increase.
What happens to our wages if we vote no?
Last year, the USU/ASU and other unions successfully argued in the Fair Work Commission that employers should raise minimum salaries. The outcome saw the Commission ordering employers, including Virgin Australia, to increase wages in line with the outcome.
This year, if you vote no to Virgin’s deal, the same process will occur, and the Airline will be required to pass on any pay increases that the Commission directs. Unions are arguing that this should be 7%.
Voting NO in Guest Services means you will get to keep your current conditions PLUS get the Fair Work Commission wage increase on 1 July 2023.
We have decided to postpone our online members’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 17 May, at 6 pm AEST. The meeting was scheduled to discuss VA’s proposed Agreement and our steps during the access period. Since VA has not sent out its final proposed agreement, we will reschedule the meeting for an appropriate time once they do.
Vote no to Virgin Australia’s proposal to cut your pay and conditions.
If you are not already a member, now is the time to join. You can join online here: www.uau.org.au/join. If you require any support or additional information, please contact your local delegates or USU Organiser Peter Munford at pmunford@usu.org.au or 0417 420 924.
