The ALAEA has made contact with Forstaff Aviation concerning crane & dogman training. A meeting is scheduled for 10.15am, 27 July 2010, for discussions concerning this matter between the ALAEA and the Company.

 Members’ currently operating cranes etc will need to continue to remain doing so, therefore “de-bunking” any allegations of un-protected industrial action.

 As you are aware, employees do not receive any payment related to operation of Cranes, Forklifts, and Dog-man activities. Again and further to the notice 13 July 2010, the ALAEA strongly advises members’ NOT to participate in any training related to this type of equipment/activity until further notice. Participating in training may alter your employment contract so you are required to operate Cranes, Forklifts and act as a Dog-man for free.

 The Association has learned that Qantas saves $70, 000 per month, by operating Cranes and employees performing Dog-man activities in-house. Employees receive no payments in return.

 Qantas savings are outlined in the table below:

 The opinion of the ALAEA is that this amounts to corporate greed.

 Do you think this is fair?

 Do you want to do this for free?

 After ALAEA intervention November 2009, the ALAEA was able to secure a payment for Scaffolders of $51.60 per week.

 We are advised that of 10 employees that had appropriate training and licences for Cranes etc, 8 have resigned from Forstaff.

 There is nothing in the current Forstaff EBA 5, that compels employees to undertake further training that leads to operation of Cranes, Forklifts and Dog-man activities or payment for same. The Association sought to have this matter dealt with in EBA 5 however, Forstaff rejected this.

 The Association will send out another notice after our meeting with Forstaff on Tuesday, 27 July 2010 to keep members’ posted.

 Brad Stewart

National Union Organiser

Attachments:

File
20100723_Notice_Forstaff_Crane and Dog-Man Training.pdf