Airlines: Virgin Blue

Virgin Blue Ground Crew negotiations drag on

By the ASU - the airlines industry union

The ASU continued to pursue real wages and conditions for employees at Virgin Blue this week.

The key issues on the table are:

• Back payment of wages
• Wage rates being based on the ASU Airlines Operations Award which has a higher base rate than that currently being used (Virgin Blue are always happy to use the lowest cost). The wage rates are based on the TWU Award which is designed for ramp and associated ramp work. It is not surprising that Virgin Blue say they must use this Award for all employees.
• Part time hours - part timers under the Virgin Blue model lose out on overtime payment if part time hours change from 36 in a week after which you got paid overtime to 76 in a fortnight with a cap on 40 in a week. There has been some improvement in the commitments to part timers and ongoing work. These words are not fail safe guarantees but it is progress.
• Parental Leave - Virgin Blue are considering the ASU proposals but they do not look like they are going to move to at least the current minimum community standard.
• Other issues still not finalised are:
• Rosters - there has been some progress and the words are yet to be finalised.
• Trainers - changes to the classification description not finalised. 
• Length of Agreement - we say 2 years as Virgin Blue's projected profits start to improve dramatically after 2 years.
• Cross trained team members - transition or new structure still unclear.

So what are we waiting for now?

Your negotiators at the bargaining table are working to get Virgin Blue to respond to the above issues positively. If we can get movement on these issues then we are very close to finalising the agreement.

Right now we know Virgin Blue are a flat NO to back pay or a sign on fee of any description. Management have informed us that the cabin crew deal out to vote now (closes 12/11/09) has no back pay but improved conditions.

So if Virgin Blue want the deal finalised and they can't pay, then we must ensure that all of the conditions you are seeking are improved in the new agreement.

What will seal the deal?

All Virgin Blue employees working together to ensure management hears what you have to say loud and clear. Right now management have a survey out that boldly asks whether you would support particular parts of the agreement currently under negotiation.

Why don't you fill it in and tell them what you think.

Tell them that more hours before overtime is paid for part timers is not good, tell them you want a 2 year deal. Tell them that parental leave from 52 weeks to 78 weeks (UNPAID) is less than the current legislative provisions and a very poor standard.

When you all tell Virgin Blue management this they will have to listen.

Contact your local ASU Organiser for more details or to answer any questions you may have.

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