Media Release: 17 March 2008

AA Surprised Agreed Conditions Rejected

“The AA is surprised and disappointed that roadservice officers and vehicle inspectors have rejected the settlement reached between the AA and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) on their employment conditions,” says AA spokesperson Simon Lambourne.

During recent mediation the Union withdrew its demand for six weeks’ leave and pay parity, and accepted the AA's offer of a general wage increase of 4.5 per cent. The AA also agreed to incorporate recent changes to its long service leave policy into the new collective agreement. The policy provides all AA staff with a one-off additional week's leave after 10 years employment.

“The AA expects to receive formal notification of the reasons for the rejection from the EPMU later this week. Obviously, we are keen to know exactly why Union members did not approve the agreed conditions, and what they really want.”

“The mediation process resulted in the AA and the EPMU agreeing to put to Union members a very fair and reasonable offer. It seems incredible that this was not accepted.”

“The AA refutes any inference from the Union that comments made by the AA at the time of the agreement are the reason for the rejection. The AA clearly stated the conditions agreed during the mediation were subject to ratification by Union members. It would be helpful if the Union concentrated on finding a solution to the current impasse, instead of inflaming the situation,” says Mr Lambourne.

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