The Big Question is:

Thursday, May 22, 2008

3 Card Monty?

Well last time we blogged we congratulated, the CEO Greg Russell for approving pay advancements to those with previous experience.

But wait, we now have learnt that the "one off" adjustments, are at management approval as per the normal advanced progression process.  So individual managers will be (or not) recommending those deserving advancements.  Why no central HR process?

APPARENTLY, IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!

The catch(es), well first up, it's only for those who have been recruited in the last 5 years.  If you have been here 6 years and meet all the other elements, whoops bad luck chump! People joining from your previous employer are now getting more than you and they've only been in 6 months, so what if you have more time in ATC, obviously you're a chump and don't deserve it.

Second, the concept is that you get 'advanced' to Level 6 or Level 10; depending on your 'management assessed worth' and total years of experience.  So it's not quite parity with the Global Recruits, is it?  Even though that was the trigger point for the amendment.

Third, if you have recently been advanced, then you get squat, because you're a chump! There is "no duplication of advancements" to be had; so got that single increment earlier this year, you miss the possible 4 jumps this time?  You know it makes sense.

Why make it so hard?  Why wouldn't you just advance everyone, as a sign of good will and an attempt to improve morale, publish that you've done it and get some kudos; this way all it's going to take is one person getting the stick and you know how the rumour mill and process from here goes; it's another potential detriment, no matter how many people you advance.

Why wouldn't you just pay people the level as it compares to their experience in years; assuming that's upwards.  ie You have been in ATC (here, the services, OS) for 8 years, pay them at level 8, 12 years in ATC then pay them at level 12?

Talk about a typical bureaucratic way to stuff it up, why are we continually surprised, we know their form.

We have been reliably informed that some individuals have said "Give me LVL 13 or I'm going OS", and we have confirmed (so far) at least two individuals getting that advancements from said discussions.  

Our advice if you're not on the top increment, get out there and look for a better deal; it gives you bargaining power.  Additionally, we suggest you write to your local member of parliament and advise that you are getting paid less by your employer than those working under the Visa 457 program, even though you have more ATC experience, you know it will look bad.  Contact a TV current affairs program too; they'll love beating it up.

Then if you go cause enough is enough (or you get dumped for squealing in the media, ingrate) or you don't get what you want, then the rest of us have increased bargaining power too. 

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