Fixed term employment with QF
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SYD
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fixed term employment with QF
I have just finished my training with QF and spoke with an industrial relations lawyer today regarding my position being a fixed term employee and industrial action.
He indicated that I could take industrial action if its protected, however he pointed out that I (and presumably other fixed term employees) will still be in our probation period when the industrial action may take place.
Apparently, this could result in Qantas giving me the flick during the probation period if I do anything that they don't like.
The lawyer said that an employer can't "punish" an employee who takes protected action as such, but regardless of whether the action is protected or not, Qantas have their failsafe for many of the fixed term employee's - the probation period! If I'm not "working out" I can be let go.
Obviously, this presents a bit of a quandary for me and I'll have to see what happens when the time comes. I mean I literally can't afford to be let go this early in my time with Qantas.
Although I'm based in Sydney and there are other people in my situation I'm a bit scared to raise it around QCC for obvious reasons - do any other fixed term employee's have any thoughts on this???
He indicated that I could take industrial action if its protected, however he pointed out that I (and presumably other fixed term employees) will still be in our probation period when the industrial action may take place.
Apparently, this could result in Qantas giving me the flick during the probation period if I do anything that they don't like.
The lawyer said that an employer can't "punish" an employee who takes protected action as such, but regardless of whether the action is protected or not, Qantas have their failsafe for many of the fixed term employee's - the probation period! If I'm not "working out" I can be let go.
Obviously, this presents a bit of a quandary for me and I'll have to see what happens when the time comes. I mean I literally can't afford to be let go this early in my time with Qantas.
Although I'm based in Sydney and there are other people in my situation I'm a bit scared to raise it around QCC for obvious reasons - do any other fixed term employee's have any thoughts on this???
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: An airport near you!
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You poor love.
I truly understand your dilemma.
I have been in aviation a long time.
Personally and truthfully.... do you really want to show up to work after you have been to work when the rest of your colleagues have been out on strike? It will not be pretty. You will probably wish you had been let go.
If you choose to strike you are supporting jobs for crew based in OZ. And you will have more chance of having your contract renewed.
Due to privacy laws you are able to access your personal files at work. They would have to show just cause for letting you go in your probationary period. You cannot be dismissed for your support of your colleagues. Just keep your tail clean and do your job well and there should be no reason for you to be concerned.
Just my opinion!
I truly understand your dilemma.
I have been in aviation a long time.
Personally and truthfully.... do you really want to show up to work after you have been to work when the rest of your colleagues have been out on strike? It will not be pretty. You will probably wish you had been let go.
If you choose to strike you are supporting jobs for crew based in OZ. And you will have more chance of having your contract renewed.
Due to privacy laws you are able to access your personal files at work. They would have to show just cause for letting you go in your probationary period. You cannot be dismissed for your support of your colleagues. Just keep your tail clean and do your job well and there should be no reason for you to be concerned.
Just my opinion!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Welcome to the family Arm_doors.
I agree with cabin secure. It could be unpleasant to work when your collegues are on strike. If you are worried about the probation then call in sick instead. As long as you have a sick note (only required after 3 days) then the company can't do a thing.
Enjoy the flying and fingers x'ed you are kept on.
I agree with cabin secure. It could be unpleasant to work when your collegues are on strike. If you are worried about the probation then call in sick instead. As long as you have a sick note (only required after 3 days) then the company can't do a thing.
Enjoy the flying and fingers x'ed you are kept on.
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: The nearest white sandy beach
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Arm_Doors,
Can totally appreciate where you are coming from. Take a good look at your contract though, and check if it actually does have anything in there about a probation period. When I first started flying I was also initially a contractor but had no probation period (just pulled out my contract and double checked it to be sure) so take a look and see what they have written in the fine print.
Either way, it is your decision as to whether you want to take industrial action during the protected period.
Best Wishes
SG
Can totally appreciate where you are coming from. Take a good look at your contract though, and check if it actually does have anything in there about a probation period. When I first started flying I was also initially a contractor but had no probation period (just pulled out my contract and double checked it to be sure) so take a look and see what they have written in the fine print.
Either way, it is your decision as to whether you want to take industrial action during the protected period.
Best Wishes
SG
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SYD
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the warm welcome.
The contract has a 6 month probation period which is more than half of the contract period!! Its unusually harsh, but perfectly legal according to the advice I got.
Unfortunately, during the probation period the company can decide not to confirm your employment. There doesn't have to be a specific reason as such.
Anyway, I'll just have to see what happens - hopefully, we won't go out on a full strike and I won't have to worry
The contract has a 6 month probation period which is more than half of the contract period!! Its unusually harsh, but perfectly legal according to the advice I got.
Unfortunately, during the probation period the company can decide not to confirm your employment. There doesn't have to be a specific reason as such.
Anyway, I'll just have to see what happens - hopefully, we won't go out on a full strike and I won't have to worry
