Please read the information below regarding your offer of employment from Joss.

As you know, Joss has sent out offers of employment to cleaners moving across to the company with the change of contract.

After reviewing the offers, United Voice has raised some serious concerns with a number of provisions and are advising all cleaners to hold off on signing their offer.

Currently the deadline for signing the contract is the 31st January - United Voice will seek an extension of this date if necessary.

The key issues are:

1. Period of Contract - the offers of employment contain an end date i.e. 31 December 2023, which means they are for a fixed term with no guarantee of ongoing employment after this date. Further, this clause has the effect of avoiding any future redundancy payments (where an entitlement exists) should Joss not be awarded the next Government Contract.

2. Location of Contract –  the information provided in this clause about Joss’ ability to change a part-time cleaners hours of work is not consistent with the provisions of your Enterprise Agreement, and in our view misleads an employee about their rights, specifically about the requirement to consultation about the change.

3. Fitness for Work and ensuring that the processes used are fair and transparent.

4. Dispute Resolution Procedure – this provision in the offer of employment is inconsistent with that contained in your Enterprise Agreement, specifically, it does not outline your right to have the Union or other representative involved in the process, nor does it refer to your right to have the dispute arbitrated should conciliation or mediation fail to resolve the matter. Omitting this information has the potential to mislead employees about their rights. A simple reference to the Disputes Procedure in your Agreement is all that is required for this provision.

United Voice has conveyed these concerns to Joss. Joss has responded to these and are taking them seriously seeking legal advice on these issues.

Joss is aware that our advice to members is not to sign their offers until these issues are rectified.

Next week Joss are holding meetings on the South Coast and a union official will be in attendance to answer some of your questions. They will be able to speak to you after the Joss meetings so please make sure you stay for this important meeting.

If you have any questions please contact the Member Rights Centre on 1800 805 027.