Story is that when these guys agree to their transfer they sign to accept ANY of these shift patterns, not just the shift pattern their co workers are currently working.
This means that when management decide to change the roster to suit the needs, they already have a group in the department that have agreed to the shift pattern.
The consultation process required for the extended hour rostering required at the moment is negated with these employees.
This situation then leads on to the divide and conquer mentallity we have seen used in the past. Just like the pre/post '96 shift penalty scales and certain people employed to work permanent night shift, or (dare I say) the Sydney/Avalon embarrasment.
A very honest way to implement change. Agree to sign up for any roster we want or you wont have a job!
But don't feel pressured.