“With 68% off Virgin Blue staff voting Yes on the latest EBA proposal from Virgin Blue it is clear that our members and delegates made the right decision to let this latest agreement go to vote and hear what everyone had to say,” TWU National Executive Officer Scott Connolly said today.

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“With a 68% yes vote, it is clear that despite some concerns, the overwhelming majority of members and staff support the proposed agreement.”

“Listening to these voices, the challenge for TWU members at Virgin Blue now is to get on with the job of making sure that we make the most of the new provision fought for in this agreement for the benefit of TWU members and their families.”

Some of these key new provisions include:

• 10 weeks maternity/paternity leave for all primary care givers
• A new 3 monthly labour mix reviews and commitment from VB to fill identified deficit full time and part-time vacancies
• Job security for all current employees
• No changes to current overtime rules for part-timers
• More flexibility for part-time time members to work more or less hours
• More flexibility to allow for shift swaps and agreed breaks of less than ten hours (with agreement)
• Commitment that part-time team members will have access to additional hours (not OT) where it is cost neutral or effective
• New rules for shift swaps and shift giveaways by agreement
• New clear rules for higher duties payments for all staff
• Better workplace consultation and change provisions to make sure you continue to have a say in your working life

When will I get paid?
The 3% pay increase will be backdated to the 6th of March and paid as soon as possible after the approval of the agreement by Fair Work Australia (which should be in the next few weeks).

What about my bonus/back pay?
Your lump sum payment of $1400 net or equivalent shall also be paid once the agreement is approved by Fair Work Australia. This payment will be paid in a one-off pay run to reduce your tax.

What about the new classification structure?  When will this start?
Prior to the conclusion of the negotiations, Virgin Blue committed to establishing an implementation group of union delegates and representatives to work through these changes prior to their implementation. Confirmation of the first meeting of this implementation group is expected soon.

What about my chances of getting full time job?
The new agreement includes a commitment from Virgin Blue to meet with TWU representatives on a three monthly basis and review the labour mix in the each port.  Where this review identifies deficit full-time or part-time positions, there is a commitment that these positions will be filled.  Your TWU is already working on making sure the first meeting of this review committee meets as soon as possible.