PR941412 AW765780 PR941412 Download Word Document AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMISSION Workplace Relations Act 1996 s.99 notification of industrial dispute Qantas Airways Limited and Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union (C2003/6513) Airline operations SENIOR DEPUTY PRESIDENT WATSON MELBOURNE, 1 DECEMBER 2003 Time and Attendance System at Melbourne Airport. RECOMMENDATION Preamble: [1] This dispute notification arises from the introduction by Qantas Airways Limited (Qantas) of an electronic `swipe card' time and attendance system in respect of its customer services officers at Melbourne Airport, who are represented by the Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union (ASU). The system was earlier introduced in respect of ramp services staff at Melbourne Airport and became operational in respect of customer services officers on 1 October 2003. [2] The ASU advised Qantas on 28 November 2003 that its members would cease using the system on 1 December 2003. In fact, a majority of employees ceased swiping on 1 December 2003. Qantas saw the 1 October commencement of the system in the customer services area as the commencement of the ongoing operation of the `swipe card' system. The ASU and its members saw it as the commencement of a two month trial. Regrettably, the basis of the 1 October commencement was never subject to agreement between the parties. In the course of hearings it became evident that the primary concern of the ASU membership was the failure of Qantas to communicate to them, the roll-out program for the system beyond Melbourne airport. [3] Despite further conferences, this issue was not resolved by conciliation. Accordingly, I make the following recommendation: Recommendation: 1. I recommend that the ASU membership continue to utilise the electronic time and attendance system fully, swiping on and off as required by Qantas. Whether the 1 October commencement was on an ongoing basis or a trial basis, there is no evident detriment to ASU members arising from the operation of the `swipe card' time and attendance system, save for what was said to be an `unfairness' of commencing full operation in advance of employees in other locations. Such unfairness presupposes some detriment to ASU members from the system. No such detriment is apparent. Against this, the `swipe card' time and attendance system provides an additional tool for management of workflows to Qantas, which offers potential efficiencies. 2. I accept that the failure of Qantas to appraise the ASU of its proposed national roll-out of the electronic time and attendance system is unacceptable. I therefore recommend that Qantas expedite the development of, and communication to the ASU, of the national roll-out program, subject to such program incorporating a capacity for local consultation with employees and their unions in other areas, before commencement of the system to identify and resolve any local issues. 3. I recommend that Qantas confirm its preparedness to continue discussions with the ASU at the local level in respect of the location of swipe equipment. [4] The matter can be relisted by either party as required. In this respect, the ASU is at liberty to have the matter relisted in the event that Qantas is tardy in giving effect to my second recommendation. BY THE COMMISSION: SENIOR DEPUTY PRESIDENT Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <Price code A>