Astro Alloys unleashes the power of
mature workers with AWAs

Astro Alloys has unlocked the potential of mature age workers in regional Queensland through new, flexible workplace agreements.

Based in Hervey Bay on the Fraser Coast, Astro Alloys is a market leader in welding products and eco-tech and green products, such as industrial and domestic cleaners and agricultural fertilisers.

After 30 years in business, Astro Alloys found that a third of its workforce was classified as mature-aged. It wanted to put in place more flexible arrangements that suited the needs of the workforce, and would help the company to retain its expert sales team.

Employees at Astro Alloys can now take advantage of Australian workplace agreements (AWAs) that reward staff through a bonus scheme, while catering for the lifestyles of mature workers. The staff also appreciate the simplicity of their AWAs.

Jeanette Lewis, Sales Supervisor and Workplace Trainer, says her agreement is easy to understand, and that
this has given her reassurance and the ability to plan as she heads towards retirement.

"The flexible working arrangements within my agreement allow me to indulge my passions and pursue my personal interests once I leave work,” says Jeanette. “I now have more time for my artwork and have even taken up French classes.

"Also, my agreement is so simple. Other jobs I have worked at had complex awards or agreements … you had had to be a bush lawyer to know what was going on. The AWAs have brought about a more open communication process and as our agreements include a bonus system it feels like we’re part of the overall outcomes,”
says Jeanette.

Danielle Hore, Human Resources and Marketing Manager at Astro Alloys, says the AWAs are helping both the business and the staff.

"The previous complex awards system restricted our ability to offer early starting times and accommodate the needs of our staff,” Danielle says. “Under the AWAs we can offer more attractive employment conditions so we retain our motivated workforce.

"AWAs have provided us a way of creating a win-win for both the employees and the business.”

Reference: August 30, 2007 - Astro Alloys Workplace Innovator, Workplace Authority (PDF)