Effects of enterprise bargaining and agreement clauses on the operating cost of airline ground crew scheduling

Labour conditions in enterprise agreements dictate airline worker rostering and affect operating costs. By using an airline ground crew shift optimisation model in the context of Australian labour regulations, this paper explores how labour agreements could affect costs and potential options to improve labour conditions for mutual benefits. Results found that a reduction of shift length could save 30 percent of airline employee costs. The ratio of full-time and part-time staff could significantly affect staffing costs. A portion of staff cost savings could be redirected to employees as wage rises, while maintaining job security and benefiting both parties.

Automated summary

Labor conditions in enterprise agreements play a significant role in dictating airline worker rostering and influencing operating costs. This study in the context of Australian labor laws found that adjusting shift lengths and the ratio of full-time to part-time staff can have a substantial impact on staffing costs. Redirecting some of the cost savings towards wage increases for employees while maintaining job security can be beneficial for both parties involved.