Qantas to call crew bluff on 'sick-out'
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Qantas to call crew bluff on 'sick-out'
Wed "The Australian"
Qantas to call crew bluff on 'sick-out'
Steve Creedy, Aviation writer
October 13, 2004
QANTAS has warned it will use doctors to test international flight attendants who call in ill during "sick-outs" designed to disrupt flights next month.
In the latest twist in an increasingly bitter dispute, an unofficial campaign is calling on long-haul flight attendants to take a sickie on November 17 to protest plans by the airline to send jobs overseas.
A Qantas plan to base 400 long-haul flight attendants in London has already brought increasing threats of strike action over the busy Christmas holidays.
The airline says it has received more than 200 applications from Australian crew wanting to work in London.
But relations with the international flight attendants union soured amid accusations that the airline is training more than 500 flight attendants and employing them on short-term contracts as strike-breakers.
Qantas chief financial officer Peter Gregg said yesterday the airline was aware of a "sick-out" rumour but said the airline found it extremely difficult to believe any of its staff would contemplate such an action.
"In the event that something like that did occur, Qantas, as it has in the past, would take all steps necessary to ensure that the interests of its customers, and the vast bulk of Qantas staff not participating in such action, were protected," he said.
Mr Gregg confirmed that his plan included the use of medical staff at its bases to ensure it could quickly prove that a flight attendant was genuinely sick.
The Flight Attendants Association of Australia said it was aware of the sickie call, which appeared to be gaining momentum, but denied being behind it.
FAAA international division secretary Michael Mijatov said a survey of members last week showed the distrust and anger that were fuelling the call.
Mr Mijatov said the survey showed 87 per cent of respondents had no, or minimal, trust in the company.
"We also asked whether they were prepared to take strike action ... and about 96 to 97 per cent said they were prepared to take strike action," he said.
The union is poised to start enterprise bargaining negotiations the week after next, but is prevented from taking industrial action until mid-December.
It also intends to lodge a dispute with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission over the use of the fixed-term flight attendants.
The carrier argues that no jobs would be lost, existing crew were being given priority in filling the London positions and the move would save $18million annually.
Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon told staff in a memo yesterday that the company had made significant concessions in negotiations with the FAAA.
These included an offer to reinstate a cap on overseas-based crew at a level that would allow the London base to proceed and a guarantee no redundancies would result from operating or opening overseas bases.
Mr Dixon described the strike-breaker claims as emotive, but admitted the airline had a longstanding policy of maintaining contingency plans against "business threats".
"The bottom line is we have to guarantee that our customers' travel plans are not disrupted and that our customers are not lost to competitors," he said.
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Qantas to call crew bluff on 'sick-out'
Steve Creedy, Aviation writer
October 13, 2004
QANTAS has warned it will use doctors to test international flight attendants who call in ill during "sick-outs" designed to disrupt flights next month.
In the latest twist in an increasingly bitter dispute, an unofficial campaign is calling on long-haul flight attendants to take a sickie on November 17 to protest plans by the airline to send jobs overseas.
A Qantas plan to base 400 long-haul flight attendants in London has already brought increasing threats of strike action over the busy Christmas holidays.
The airline says it has received more than 200 applications from Australian crew wanting to work in London.
But relations with the international flight attendants union soured amid accusations that the airline is training more than 500 flight attendants and employing them on short-term contracts as strike-breakers.
Qantas chief financial officer Peter Gregg said yesterday the airline was aware of a "sick-out" rumour but said the airline found it extremely difficult to believe any of its staff would contemplate such an action.
"In the event that something like that did occur, Qantas, as it has in the past, would take all steps necessary to ensure that the interests of its customers, and the vast bulk of Qantas staff not participating in such action, were protected," he said.
Mr Gregg confirmed that his plan included the use of medical staff at its bases to ensure it could quickly prove that a flight attendant was genuinely sick.
The Flight Attendants Association of Australia said it was aware of the sickie call, which appeared to be gaining momentum, but denied being behind it.
FAAA international division secretary Michael Mijatov said a survey of members last week showed the distrust and anger that were fuelling the call.
Mr Mijatov said the survey showed 87 per cent of respondents had no, or minimal, trust in the company.
"We also asked whether they were prepared to take strike action ... and about 96 to 97 per cent said they were prepared to take strike action," he said.
The union is poised to start enterprise bargaining negotiations the week after next, but is prevented from taking industrial action until mid-December.
It also intends to lodge a dispute with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission over the use of the fixed-term flight attendants.
The carrier argues that no jobs would be lost, existing crew were being given priority in filling the London positions and the move would save $18million annually.
Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon told staff in a memo yesterday that the company had made significant concessions in negotiations with the FAAA.
These included an offer to reinstate a cap on overseas-based crew at a level that would allow the London base to proceed and a guarantee no redundancies would result from operating or opening overseas bases.
Mr Dixon described the strike-breaker claims as emotive, but admitted the airline had a longstanding policy of maintaining contingency plans against "business threats".
"The bottom line is we have to guarantee that our customers' travel plans are not disrupted and that our customers are not lost to competitors," he said.
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"Try finding a Doctor who will have the guts to diagnose that you are NOT sick and take the risk of something subsequently" getting sued for malpractice.
Headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diahorrea (drink some hot water, or eat some garlic to get the tummy rumbling), sprained ankle, toothache, earache.
I'm feeling sick just writing this.
Headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diahorrea (drink some hot water, or eat some garlic to get the tummy rumbling), sprained ankle, toothache, earache.
I'm feeling sick just writing this.
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A few years back we had the same pressure applied to us; work brought in a DAME and it was compulsory to see her for absences of more than 1 day.
Result: Sick leave increased substantially as the DAME was more aware of the workplace and its limitations; individuals obtained ergonomic chairs etc. for personal use only… It was great. Fatigue was a major factor with our rosters rotating the way they do.
This is just a pressure point, one that in the cold light of day will not stand up.
Result: Sick leave increased substantially as the DAME was more aware of the workplace and its limitations; individuals obtained ergonomic chairs etc. for personal use only… It was great. Fatigue was a major factor with our rosters rotating the way they do.
This is just a pressure point, one that in the cold light of day will not stand up.
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Since when was being examined by a company doctor a requirement to "go sick".
An individual does not turn up for work if they are medically unfit. If they wish to be paid for sick leave they supply a medical confirmation in writing from their own doctor. If they don't supply such they are not paid. Big deal.There is no requirement to submit to an examination by anyone other than the doctor you choose. There are privacy laws for Australian citizens.
This is probably bluff from QF, who would find themselves in court faster than they could blink if they tried that crap.
An individual does not turn up for work if they are medically unfit. If they wish to be paid for sick leave they supply a medical confirmation in writing from their own doctor. If they don't supply such they are not paid. Big deal.There is no requirement to submit to an examination by anyone other than the doctor you choose. There are privacy laws for Australian citizens.
This is probably bluff from QF, who would find themselves in court faster than they could blink if they tried that crap.
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How much did it cost Cathay when they tried to play hardball over the 'alleged' sick-out?
What other options are left when the conditions of the workforce are eroded and the Industrial Relations laws are so draconian to not allow any form of action? (And still a lot more to come!)
4thTerm
What other options are left when the conditions of the workforce are eroded and the Industrial Relations laws are so draconian to not allow any form of action? (And still a lot more to come!)
4thTerm
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Lower back pain's always a good one!!
Totally undetectable and mostly untreatable by doctors.
Bend over touch knees and
....
Cheers, HH.
Totally undetectable and mostly untreatable by doctors.
Bend over touch knees and
....Cheers, HH.
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
Qantas to call crew bluff on 'sick-out'
"QANTAS introduce fear and intimidation campaign against their staff."
November 17th.....hmmm, NOT a good day to plan a flight with the Roo by the look of things.
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Worked for a company once where 'sickness' was a growing problem, unannounced the company would send the company doctor around to the 'sick' person's residence, often to find them on the tennis court/on the beach/in the bar etc. which didn't help the cause!
Another time when a doctor visited he was convinced the 'patient' was bluffing but went through the full process, BP, pulse, temperature etc. scratched his head, tut tutted a bit, said it could be highly infectious and despite protests slung the 'patient' into the local isolation ward for three days, awaiting the results of a blood test! A doctor may be reluctant to pronounce you fit if you are claiming to be sick but there is more than one way to skin a cat!
Just beware, for every trick you pull they will have one up their sleeve too.
Another time when a doctor visited he was convinced the 'patient' was bluffing but went through the full process, BP, pulse, temperature etc. scratched his head, tut tutted a bit, said it could be highly infectious and despite protests slung the 'patient' into the local isolation ward for three days, awaiting the results of a blood test! A doctor may be reluctant to pronounce you fit if you are claiming to be sick but there is more than one way to skin a cat!
Just beware, for every trick you pull they will have one up their sleeve too.
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Shouldn't that headline be: QANTAS introduce fear and intimidation against their staff
Then why don't the gals and lads go on stress leave. No Doctor can knock that back, it's a perfectly legitimate reason for illness, and if the rumours are true then surely the whole reason this purported action is taking place is because the lassies and laddies ARE stressed
Then why don't the gals and lads go on stress leave. No Doctor can knock that back, it's a perfectly legitimate reason for illness, and if the rumours are true then surely the whole reason this purported action is taking place is because the lassies and laddies ARE stressed
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As long as QF are subjecting ALL the rest of the staff to medical checks when they call in sick, then they couldn't be accused of "fear and intimidation", persecution or discriminatory employer tactics, could they?
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Fatigue
Stay awake, drink lots of coffee or drink lots of coke prior to shift. It is illegal for either an operator or a employee to work while fatigued. Call it stress, barking dog next door...pms...something in the water....or I like this one.....noise pollution from jet aircraft keeping you awake.
Fatigue is hard to diagnose and is completely subjective to the individual.
U2
Fatigue is hard to diagnose and is completely subjective to the individual.
U2
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Nice story Mr Dixon
If I was sick and some doctor I didn't know rocked up to my house he would only hear two words and you can take a guess what they might be. Good luck sick staffies, the LAMEs are watching with interest.
Another time when a doctor visited he was convinced the 'patient' was bluffing but went through the full process, BP, pulse, temperature etc. scratched his head, tut tutted a bit, said it could be highly infectious and despite protests slung the 'patient' into the local isolation ward for three days, awaiting the results of a blood test!
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VVS Laxman
I think we must have once had the same caring sharing employer. I recall the older guys going in for a single day off and ending up with a week. Poetic justice.
I also recall they did a complete one eighty with our sick leave entitlements- no uncertificated sick leave to unlimited sick leave!
I think we must have once had the same caring sharing employer. I recall the older guys going in for a single day off and ending up with a week. Poetic justice.
I also recall they did a complete one eighty with our sick leave entitlements- no uncertificated sick leave to unlimited sick leave!
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Crew meals make me sick - sometimes.
But if I don't have nothing to eat, I get sick too.
Turbulence sometimes makes me sick.......and just the thought of GOD trying to fcuk us over makes me sick.
Usually it happens when I'm away from the major bases, because I haven't got anyone to talk to.
The actions of the QF F/A's are as a direct result of QF management's aggressive attacks.
QF F/A's have - until now - worked harmoniously with the customers and previous QANTAS management.
That THIS managemnent seeks a CONFRONTATION - rather than a NEGOTIATION - to the detriment of our loyal customers, is beyond us, your willing workers.
There are MANY equally - or even better qualified managers,willing to step in NOW, to achieve an immediate, satisfactory end to what will probably be a costly, prolonged, and expensive, festering industrial dispute, beacause of the intransigence of the entrenched, self-interested, bonus-orientated directors.
In the interests of ALL shareholders and staff, an IMMEDIATE resolution has to be seen as the BEST result for ALL of us.
A protracted dispute is costly, and only helps inflate the egoes of those who seek public exposure.
But if I don't have nothing to eat, I get sick too.
Turbulence sometimes makes me sick.......and just the thought of GOD trying to fcuk us over makes me sick.
Usually it happens when I'm away from the major bases, because I haven't got anyone to talk to.
The actions of the QF F/A's are as a direct result of QF management's aggressive attacks.
QF F/A's have - until now - worked harmoniously with the customers and previous QANTAS management.
That THIS managemnent seeks a CONFRONTATION - rather than a NEGOTIATION - to the detriment of our loyal customers, is beyond us, your willing workers.
There are MANY equally - or even better qualified managers,willing to step in NOW, to achieve an immediate, satisfactory end to what will probably be a costly, prolonged, and expensive, festering industrial dispute, beacause of the intransigence of the entrenched, self-interested, bonus-orientated directors.
In the interests of ALL shareholders and staff, an IMMEDIATE resolution has to be seen as the BEST result for ALL of us.
A protracted dispute is costly, and only helps inflate the egoes of those who seek public exposure.
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Better take a close look at your contract Fordran, quite a lot will say that you must submit yourself to an examination by a company doctor if required by the company. So, as long as he properly identifies himself................................?
The case I quoted definitely did happen though in this case it was an 'overseas' contract. Somewhere in all the initial paperwork there is often a question along the lines, "Do you agree to be examined by a company doctor if called upon to do so?" In all the enthusiasm for the new job it quickly gets forgotten.
As I said, be careful out there, they will have tricks up their sleeves to deal with malingerers.
The case I quoted definitely did happen though in this case it was an 'overseas' contract. Somewhere in all the initial paperwork there is often a question along the lines, "Do you agree to be examined by a company doctor if called upon to do so?" In all the enthusiasm for the new job it quickly gets forgotten.
As I said, be careful out there, they will have tricks up their sleeves to deal with malingerers.
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There are privacy laws in Australia. There is also a little thing about doctor - patient confidentiality, and the intellectual property rights of the doctor.
If the company want THEIR doctor to examine you, simply decline the offer. We do not live in a police state no matter what Qantas think. What can they do about it? Sack you? Check the unfair dismissal laws also. However there are no laws about bluffing gullible employees.
If the company want THEIR doctor to examine you, simply decline the offer. We do not live in a police state no matter what Qantas think. What can they do about it? Sack you? Check the unfair dismissal laws also. However there are no laws about bluffing gullible employees.
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Well, just so long as you can be 100% certain that at no time, not on the initial application form, any of the day of induction paperwork or within the contract you accepted that you haven't ever agreed to be examined by a company doctor, if asked by the company, you don't have a problem.
I'm not taking sides, just offering a small word of caution. Once a job is lost it is lost.
I'm not taking sides, just offering a small word of caution. Once a job is lost it is lost.