CEO Update #7 - 3 April 2020
Hi Team,
The Coronavirus continues to have a major impact on our country, our community and our family. This epidemic is affecting the way we live, the way we interact and is taking an emotional toll on many people. As Australian's it is fair to say that we are lucky when you consider the support we are getting from our Government. It is also fair to say we are lucky when you compare our issues to the magnitude to what Italy, Spain, and New York have and are still to face.
Motorama and Jobkeeper
As a company we have temporarily 'stood down' a number of our team members this week, which is a sad time for everyone. It is a necessary step in transitioning team members over to Government assistance jobseeker, then jobkeeper. The jobkeeper legislation is being drafted as we speak and will be put in front of Parliament next Wednesday for a final vote and ratification. Motorama has enrolled in the program and we now wait to see the legislation so we can understand the rules, etc...
Once we confirm our acceptance we simply upload our employees details, tax file numbers etc into the system. As an employee you don't need to do anything, other than let us know if you don't wish to be enrolled. Once we understand the legislation we will also send out a form that will consider other entitlements under the program like entitlements for dependents etc. The minimum payment to all employees is $1500 per fortnight less a nominal tax rate which will be confirmed when the legislation is known.
To ensure we're helping everyone as much as we can, I just want to confirm if you have been 'stood down' and don't have enough leave available currently Motorama will be paying 2.5 days leave next week. We have decided to pay that to all permanent employees and will allow leave balances to go into negative if a team member does not have that much accrued.
Motorama Communication
As a company we are very concerned about keeping our team fit, healthy and connected through this time. For this reason we have set up a "Communications Committee" that will be funnelling important information to everyone through this period. You will be sent a text message to notify you of any new or additional information as it becomes available. The information will flow through our facebook pages and our new Motorama Employee website that has just been built.
https://employees.motorama.com.au/home
We are looking at a number of initiatives from live webcasts on leadership and development, to Motorama fitness and wellbeing online classes. We are also speaking with celebrity chef Ben O'Donoghue about some Motorama BBQ and 4x4 Camp recipes. So stay tuned!
Make sure you join your Dealership or Department's Facebook Group so you can stay connected to what's going on and of course, engage in some friendly banter with your work mates.
Flu Shots next week
Don't forget that we have our flu shots scheduled for next week, which is highly recommended at this time. The Australian Government has been advising people to receive a flu shot to ensure people reduce the risk of getting the flu this winter which will further reduce your susceptibility of getting COVID-19.
Bookings are still available for the clinic being held at Nathan Pre Delivery, so if you haven't booked and want to receive a flu vaccination and can get to Nathan PD on Tuesday 14th April please make a booking ASAP. Here's the link: https://flubookings.net/?bookingref=1531934148 Bookings for this clinic CLOSE on Tuesday 7th April so please get in ASAP if you want a flu shot here.
If you can't make it to Nathan, the Nurse does carry some extra vaccines, so you can still show up to the following clinics even if you have not already booked in. Please show up at the following times, there may be a small wait and it is dependent on the availability of extra vaccines:
Tuesday 7th April - Hillcrest at 11am in the Toyota Training Room
Tuesday 7th April - Moorooka at 12pm in the Toyota Prado Room
Tuesday 7th April - Big Box Cars and Shared Services at 11.30am upstairs at Shared Services Meeting room
If you have already booked please attend at your confirmed time and ensure you follow all hygiene and social distancing measures in place.
Employee Assistance Program
Carsales.com have very generously offered their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to all Motorama Group employees. I've heard first hand from some of our people that they are struggling to comprehend and deal with everything that is going on at the moment. From worry about the risks of getting Coronavirus to uncertainty about jobs to more worry about personal finances. I would encourage anyone who is struggling with these types of worries right now to contact the EAP provider and talk to professionals who are there to help.
We are all in this together, but that doesn't make it any easier when you are feeling lost in uncertainty and not sure who to share your concerns with. To book a free and completely confidential appointment:
1. Call 1800 81 87 28
2. Mention that you are from a division of carsales dealer customers
Please don't suffer in silence. This is a tough time and it's important that we look after ourselves so we can stay healthy and support each other, our family and friends.
Summary
As a company we will be accessing new information as it comes out from the Government. It is our aim to get everyone back to work as soon as possible. Once the 'Jobkeeper' legislation is known we will reassess our strategy inline with the best interest of the team. Please keep firing questions through your general manager so we know what's on your mind. All of your questions get discussed at our 3:00pm video conference daily.
Stay well and please keep adhering to the social distancing rules.
Kind Regards,
Mark Woelders
Managing Director