July 23, 2013

The Combined Unions negotiating with Stanwell over job losses at Tarong Power Station have notified the Fair Work Commission of a dispute.

A “Q&A” guide for members published by the The Services Union on their website today said the unions had requested that Stanwell extend the consultation period “to enable genuine consultation to take place”.

“As yet, Stanwell Corporation have not responded to our request. Our union has had no alternative but to notify the Fair Work Commission of a dispute,” The Services Union wrote.

“The purpose of this dispute is to ensure our members have an opportunity to genuinely be consulted over the changes and to be fully informed prior to making any decisions.

“Our union will provide you with an update as soon as the matter is heard in the Fair Work Commission.”

The union also noted that Stanwell would like to have the voluntary redundancies implemented by September 1 although “there may be specific circumstances where greater notice is provided”.

Some other Q&As from The Services Union website:

  • Can you still apply for a VR when you have been in the redeployment pool for six months?

Response: A Stanwell employee can apply for a VR at any time. It is at the discretion of management if this is approved.

  • The objective of this restructure is to reduce fixed labour costs, how will this restructure meet that objective if employees do not elect to take a voluntary redundancy?

Response: Stanwell Corporation is hoping that employees elect to take a VR however, if they do not Stanwell Corporation will find displaced employees “useful” work.

  • What training will be provided to employees in the redeployment pool?

Response: Training will be determined on an individual basis.

  • Employees have been advised that 58 positions is the definite number of positions that will be made redundant. Is the decision being made on numbers or dollars?

Response: Stanwell have advised that the decision is purely based on dollars however, they are not willing to share their costings with employees or the unions.

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