(In)flexible Working Arrangements at Qantas

Recently, Airports and Lounges staff received a letter from Qantas advising that the “Flexible Working Arrangement Application Period” has come around, and that you have from 1 September 2023 to 5 September 2023 to lodge a request for a flexible working arrangement (FWA).

This letter is littered with misinformation and misdirection about your rights at work. The ability to lodge a request for an FWA is a National Employment Standard, which are your minimum entitlements in your employment with Qantas.

As a National Employment Standard, Qantas cannot lawfully impose an arbitrary timeframe, such as five days (two of which were a Saturday and Sunday!), on your ability to request a FWA.

You are able to lodge a FWA at any time if you meet the criteria under Section 65 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), which can be found here.

For casual employees, you must still meet the criteria under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), however, there are slightly different requirements you must meet when lodging a FWA, which can be found here.

If you meet the above criteria, Qantas can only reject your request for a FWA in certain circumstances, which are detailed here.

If you have any questions relating to lodging an FWA, or you receive contradictory advice from Qantas, please contact your Union on 3844 5300.

Not a member yet? You can join in just a few minutes by clicking here.

Alternatively, you can contact your union Organiser Jessica Daniels on 0487 777 396 or by email [email protected]