the bean counters now run the show
Then play their game! To my mind, if they have stupidly painted themselves into a corner by trying to save money in moronic ways (such as slashing training during a period when sustained training was required), then make them pay. Signing away your days off? Just bizarre. How about AsA RAISE THE OVERTIME RATE to the point where people volunteer? That is market forces. That is how any other industry operates. Tradesmen dont earn 300k p.a. by accident. THEY QUOTE JOBS, AND PEOPLE PAY THEM. My brother (tradey) often worked 6 days a week during the last financial year- BUT HE CHARGED LIKE A WOUNDED BULL. If the customer didn't like his rates, he didnt get the job.
This mess is AsA's making. It followed on from their slash and burn. If people no longer count, and it's just a business now- then MAKE THEM PAY. Don't be shy. If it takes charging $5000 per overtime shift to help AsA find enough staff to enable you to have your days off, as ENTITLED, then so be it. Speak to them in their language.