Staff work last shifts as new AWA contractor takes over Qantas Valet Parking

By ASU-Victorian Private Sector Branch

About two thirds of staff at Qantas Valet Parking at Tullamarine Airport are expected to work their last shifts today as a new AWA contractor takes over.

From tomorrow, Equity Valet Parking will take over Qantas Valet Parking

service at major airports. The ASU has been in dispute with the new contractor since it presented an AWA that stripped important conditions such as overtime and shift loading and paid meal breaks. In the initial agreement customer service staff stood to lose between $150 and $300 per week. In a "farcical" situation the new contractor has re-issued its AWA offer three times in just nine days.

ASU Victorian branch secretary Ingrid Stitt said the Union had met with the Equity Valet Parking this week to discuss its AWA concerns and the workforce's preference for a collective agreement.

"The company has responded and rejected the workers' preference for a collective agreement. They have refused to correct the AWA which by their own acknowledgement is deficient in parts. Instead of sitting down and negotiating a sensible solution they are now, in an act of desperation, attaching a memo to their third AWA offer."

"Some staff will be faced with no alternative but to sign this AWA today. We understand with mortgage requirements, bills and family pressures some need job continuity. What is unfortunate is that with the current WorkChoices laws we won't know for months if this AWA passes the fairness test."

Ms Stitt said some staff who would complete their last shifts today had been working for Qantas Valet Parking for more than 18 years.

"This new employer's persistence in using harsh WorkChoices laws will see the loss of many experienced, loyal and hard working staff."