It is now clear that the COVID-19 outbreak will have a significant impact on the business, as well as the health and well-being of our community.
As we have said in our earlier bulletins, the ASU have been seeking meetings with Virgin Australia to be updated and consulted about the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on staff covered by the Virgin Australia Ground Crew Agreement 2018.Whilst medical and safety briefings have taken place, updates on the impact to the business have been missing in action.
Finally – after the ASU confirmed that we would seek assistance from the Fair Work Commission – management dragged their feet to a joint Union discussion on Monday, 16 March 2020 to explain what steps are needed to mitigate imminent impacts to you.
Result of the joint Union meeting with management
From tomorrow, 2 measures will be implemented:
- 2 weeks of Roster Period 4 (‘RP4’) will be published early on the 18th March 2020; and,
- the Company will commence regular and formal consultation meetings with the ASU and the TWU.
Virgin Australia also proposed a reduced roster for the second half of RP4. We will commence discussions with the Company about how to minimise the impact to all staff from tomorrow.
The ASU will attend consultation meetings with a view to exploring a number of options to mitigate the impacts to you and an open mind. We have also made it clear to the Company that they need to show you they are willing to explore all options.
ASU members will also be aware that over the weekend the Federal Government and State governments have called a State of Emergency giving broader effect to a range of measures they are taking to continue to try to contain the spread of COVID-19 and prepare for a rise in infections. As more people are deciding not to fly either internationally and domestically the impact to your work is also likely to continue to change for some time.
The ASU is by your side and will do everything we can in these difficult times.
Speak with your ASU Organiser of local workplace delegates about your concerns
If you have specific concerns you want the ASU to raise at consultation, please talk more with your Union delegate or your Union organiser.
Virgin Australia Bulletin ASU statement on Coronavirus 170320