Pakenham Roster Dispute

The Union has recently lodged a dispute in the Fair Work Commission over proposed roster changes at the Pakenham Branch.

This is the first roster dispute the Union has had to take to the FWC in several years and it is disappointing that this has had to occur.

The Pakenham team had been working a trial blended roster prior to AV requesting the implementation of seven 0200 shift finishes per week. Negotiations had been progressing between AV and the Pakenham team however with no positive agreement the Team decided to lodge a grievance during which they put forward options to work three 0200 finishes per week.

Rather than providing a response to the proposal the team put forward, AV unilaterally decided to end the blended roster trial and force the team back to the 10/14 roster.

This is a breach of the status quo provisions of the Grievance Clause of the Enterprise Agreement which requires that both parties continue to work in accordance with usual practice existing before the dispute or grievance.

It is also an extremely poor way for AV to treat their staff who were engaging professionally and respectfully in the grievance process. To say the team are upset by this is an understatement.

Members will be kept informed of the progress of this dispute.

In unity,

Danny Hill
Assistant Secretary