Westfield Chermside is now charging customers and staff who work at the shopping centre to park.  It is expected that the same practice will be adopted at other Westfield Shopping Centres in the future.

For RACQ staff working at Chermside, Westfield's actions mean that up to $60 of their take home pay per week goes to Westfield in parking fees.  It is an impost that adds significant financial stress to our members' lives at a time when many Australian families are finding it difficult to make ends meet.  Despite union representations, Westfield is refusing to even provide a discount to staff for parking.

In light of Westfield's intransigence, Finance Sector Union (FSU) Reps asked RACQ Management at the November Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting if they would provide some financial relief for staff at Chermside branch by reimbursing a percentage of the parking fees per week. It was highlighted that travel to suburban Westfield shopping centres is often difficult and lengthy by public transport and that the cost is unexpected.
 
Whilst Management are sympathetic to staff concerns, they advised that they are unable to provide financial assistance. However, if staff are requested to relieve at Chermside at short notice, they will be reimbursed for the parking fee.

FSU Reps have requested that all future employees at any branch that has parking fees be made aware of the added financial costs prior to being offered a role.

FSU will work with other affected unions to make political representations to ensure that Westfield's actions do not unreasonably impact on our members' income.

Need advice? Contact the FSU Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378.