The Qantas Group pay policy continues to neglect Jetstar workers

 
Alan Joyce has written to the Qantas Group workforce, informing employees that the pay policy is now 3% per year (instead of 2%) following the two-year pay freeze. This updated policy will not provide any financial relief for Jetstar members.

The Group policy means Jetstar will freeze your pay in 2022 and 2023. The Group expects an underlying profit before tax of between $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion. It says this is on the back of strong flying returning to pre-COVID levels, and we know it’s front-line workers who have made this happen.

However, we are making progress on negotiating your new working terms and conditions at Jetstar.

The ASU and Jetstar met, and pending drafting of the final clause, have resolved matters such as:
  1. Members can shift swap where it will lead to the employee dropping below minimum hours, and
  2. Updating how annual leave and loadings are calculated for part-time employees. Currently, Jetstar uses the projected roster to determine your annual leave and shift loading. It has led to the situation where members have been accruing leave at a slower rate but burning it fast. Under the proposed new enterprise agreement, Jetstar will determine your annual leave usage based on your average working hours and shift penalties over the last 12 months. It means if you have received a larger amount of shift penalties while working, you will continue to do so while on leave. 
Our next bargaining meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 25 October, when Jetstar will be able to confirm its position on our claims that have a financial impact on you. This include:
  1. Jetstar’s pay offer,
  2. Including in the Enterprise Agreement;
  3. The creation of more full-time positions at MEL, SYD, BNE and OOL, and
  4. An improved baggage commission scheme payable to you,
  5. Increasing part-time hours, and
  6. Improved redundancy payments.
We are yet to negotiate over several claims, such as rosters and job security. Our claims include introducing better health and safety provisions for when you finish on a late shift and commence on a day shift – Jetstar must ensure workers have two full and proper periods of sleep to recover. We are also seeking a commitment from Jetstar not to outsource ASU-covered work.

If you or your colleagues aren’t already members of the ASU, we encourage you to join your union today. https://www.asu.asn.au/asujoin. If you require any support or additional information, please get in touch with your local ASU delegates or ASU Organiser: clicking here.  

ASU is the Union fighting for workers at JETSTAR.