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The ASU is the biggest Australian union covering airline industry workers. Our members work for Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Regional Express, Eastern Australia Airlines, Sunstate Airlines, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and other overseas airlines, as well as contractors in the industry like Menzies Aviation Services or airfreight companies like Australian Air Express.
People in the union include:
- customer service (call centres, retail, reservations etc)
- airline freight organizations
- maintenance, engineering, stores, catering
- finance and administration
Our Union is coordinated nationally by Assistant National Secretary, Linda White, and locally by Branch organisers in every State and Territory and in regional areas. The ASU has enterprise agreements or awards with nearly every carrier flying in or into Australia. Most of these agreements are negotiated nationally.
You can make a difference
The airline industry in Australia, and throughout the world, is undergoing massive change. No one can take their job for granted. For employees it increases the need for a united voice. The only way forward is together.
Airline employees say that their main concerns are:
- job security
- more control over what happens in the workplace
- better pay, conditions and career opportunities
The ASU is all about achieving these goals.
Each ASU member plays a crucial part in securing a better deal for everyone. By linking with your colleagues you can make a difference.
Our members are the ASU
Together we create:
- a national voice through Australia-wide membership
- great opportunities to participate and have your say
- strong links with other people in your own area of expertise
- a committed and active network of workplace representatives and delegates
Unions make a difference
It's only because of the union movement that all Australian workers enjoy paid leave, sick pay, superannuation, parental leave, long service leave, paid overtime and penalty rates. All of these things were opposed by employers.
Have your say
ASU members are the union - and that means you're not on your own. Most workplaces have a union delegate specially trained to handle many workplace issues. Delegates are there to help and they're the key link between you and other members in the ASU.
To make sure your voice is heard, the ASU has set up a special National Airlines Division Council (NADC), with members from every state, to determine the union's strategy and priorities in the airline industry.
The NADC can be contacted by e-mail on airlines@asu.asn.au
Dates for meeting of NADC can be found on the ASU Calendar of Events page.
International Links - Airline Alliances
The ASU is an active member of the Civil Aviation Section of the International Transport Federation (ITF). The ASU regularly sends delegates to ITF meetings - this year ASU delegates have attended conferences for unions with members in the Oneworld and STAR alliances.
This international network has placed us in a position to gain information and strategic advantage in this global industry.
At the last meeting of the STAR Alliance unions in Chicago in September 2000, our own Assistant National Secretary, Linda White was appointed worldwide ground co-ordinator for STAR alliance unions in the ITF.
The ASU participated in the worldwide Zero Air Rage campaign organised by the ITF Civil Aviation Section.
Tax Tips for Airline Employees
The Australian Tax Office has produced a publication "Occupational Ruling Summary - Airline Employees". You can read more about it here.
For more tax advice check out www.ato.gov.au.
Linda White
Assistant National Secretary
Convenor National Airlines Division
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