Unite has asked all employers of our members in Christchurch to inform us about their plans for workers in the aftermath of the Christchurch Earthquake.

The response to our questions from Jo Oakes, HR Manager for McDonalds NZ on Friday 25th February is copied below in italics

To all Employers of Unite Union members in Christchurch:

The tragedy in Christchurch is foremost in all our minds and our sympathies are with those who have suffered through the death and destruction wrought by the latest earthquake.

In the meantime we are beginning to field questions from our members in Christchurch about arrangements over employment and income etc. Several employers have already sent us very helpful information but we still have large gaps in what we are able to provide to members.

If you have not sent us information or the information has not been comprehensive then we'd appreciate urgent advice about the following:

Pay during enforced closedowns:

Most companies say they will continue to pay staff through the immediate period before issues of annual leave etc are raised. Please indicate your policy on this for the immediate future.

- All staff who were scheduled to work during 21st - 27th Feb will be paid for these scheduled shifts.

- From week commencing 28th Feb, we will be taking it on a case by case basis. As a general rule, where we can redeploy staff we will, and a combination of sick, bereavement and annual leave (as appropriate) is available for other staff.

Safety of work premises:
What company sites or outlets are open or partially open and operating in Christchurch and surrounding areas?

- Of our 16 restaurants in the immediate chch area, two are open - Rangiora and Kaiapoi. Further afield, Ashburton is also open.

- The other 14 are all closed at this stage.

When are those closed likely to reopen?

- We are assessing on a case by case basis. Some may be able to open week commencing 28th Feb, however others are within the cordoned off area, which we are unable to access.

What procedures do you have to ensure buildings etc are safe before reopening?

- All buildings that are able to be accessed have been checked by structural engineers, prior to any staff being allowed inside the building. ONLY those restaurants that have been checked and authorized by structural engineers will be opened.

Reopening:

Where can we and our members access the latest information from the company on the reopening of premises?

- Their restaurant manager

- McDonald's website.

- McDonald's NZ facebook page

- McDonald's have also set up bulk text message groups to be able to easily communicate with staff without overloading land lines. Regular communication will be send via text to employees

Communication generally:

Where can we access information from your company most quickly for our members? Is there a central contact person? (We realize employers will be making their own contact arrangements with employees but we have begun fielding calls on a wide range of issues)

- Please either visit the McDonald's corporate website, or contact one of the McDonald's HR team at Head Office. We request that all communication with UNITE be co-ordinated through the HR team, rather than individual franchisees, as they deal with the issues they face in ChCh.

Provision of EAP support to members:

Is there support available through your company to employees through things such as EAP services?

- Yes. We have had members of the McDonald's Head Office HR team in Christchurch to provide support. All employees are also able to access EAP services if they wish to, which is funded by McDonald's. Any questions about EAP services (from employees) can be directed to a member of the HR team.