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ASU representatives have met with AaE HR and senior management in recent weeks about the company's business and the effects of the Global Financial Crisis.
On 16th February 2009 ASU delegates had a presentation from CEO Wayne Dunne and also discussed some of the company's preliminary plans for uplift. ASU delegates and members are participating on a working party about uplift.
As we know there have been a number of management redundancies and reductions by natural attrition - the CEO discussed what the company had been doing with your delegates.
ASU delegates also tabled an improved process for redundancy and restructuring consultation at our meeting with Wayne Dunne.
Unfortunately the company has not adopted our proposal for improved consultation and transparency in dealing with redundancies and restructuring. In fact they decided to issue the notice of 26th February 2009 without discussion or consultation with the ASU.
No consultation = Uncertainty
Because of this lack of consultation we believe there is added confusion and uncertainty with the EOI process that need not have happened.
We have suggested after the issue of the EOIs that a standard form for the various options needs to be provided to staff and also a Q&A document covering superannuation, minimum and maximum periods for leave without pay or reduced hours etc. This has been promised but has not materialised.
We also believe that any expressions of interest must be non binding.
We did ask AaE management what the targets are for the EOI process to reduce the need for redundancies. The management could not answer this - we hope this was not a stalling tactic and was a genuine expression of the current position.
Obviously those who remain at work are extremely concerned that they do not end up with an increased intensity of work and we have urged the company to be consultative locally about rostering and Z day arrangements.
The company reps said they would do this, but it is now emerging that there is a real lack of consultation on Z days with ultimatums being issued and consultation lacking.
What should you do?
ASU reps believe anyone considering expressing interest in leave without pay or reducing hours needs to investigate the effect on their superannuation of doing so.
You also must ensure that any reduction in hours are not permanent and there is an end date if you want an end date.
Those not expressing interest also have to ensure that OHS is not compromised by a reduction in state. In safety and security areas like freight it I false economy to compromise safety.
If you are considering redundancy make sure you ask the company for a quote on the estimated payout to you.
What’s next?
AaE have promised that an EOI form and Q&As will be out shortly.
They have also said that they will meet ASU reps before the EOIs are actioned to discuss the results. Given recent history we hope they are true to their word!
Shortly we will be holding meetings of members to discuss the current situation. Watch out for details.
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