changes in IR laws
Yes 2010 is a short way off, however changes to portions of the laws will commence as of 1 July 2009, which is why there is such a big push to get the eba through asap, from 1 July 2009, "good faith bargaining" will be compulsory along with bargaining with unions where there is a majority of employee support. This will allow cc to take a tougher stance in negotiations, an employer can be forced to negotiate and you will not be forced to sign up to an agreement that is not agreed upon.
So, maybe the FAAA has not been as strong in negotiations and they could have been, these laws will help change that, so join up and ensure that we have the loudest voice possible, that we can take a stronger stance.
The court system is a little more complicated than a company just phoning up and saying "we need to scrap our agreement", even at Coles deli you have to take a number to be served. Don't be ingnorant and believe everything you are told, they are relying on people to be threatened and overwhelmed. They will have to apply, wait their turn, in the meantime, legislation will change and we will have a stronger negotiation stance.
Don't be bullied anymore, stand up for your rights. We can't go backwards, where will that leave us in the future, five years down the track when we are renogotiating again.
Don't be fooled by "economic crisis' threats, the company made a huge profit last year, they just invested it on other projects such as V Australia, Mr Godrey and others still received their pay rises and bonuses.
Qantas cc fought to get what they deserved, we are worthy of our current eba conditions plus more, we helped make the airline what it is today. In 2004 we all received a letter saying we would get salary increases because of all the awards we won etc etc, well aren't we still holding our own out there???? SHOW ME THE MONEY