QPC Briefing No 21 2025 - LH EA Update
Qantas’ Direct Release of Option A and B
Qantas has taken the unusual step of releasing the details of their Option A and B packages directly to all pilots. This is not a gesture of transparency, it is a tactic designed to bypass the bargaining process and frame their package as the only way forward. By presenting two pre-packaged “choices,” the Company is setting the stage to potentially put the deal to a direct vote without either union’s endorsement.
The Tactic at Play
Qantas’ move is about controlling the narrative and narrowing options. By sending their proposals to all pilots, they are attempting to undermine collective bargaining and pressure you into believing there are only two outcomes: Option A or Option B.
In reality, your union has already tabled alternative packages that more fairly balance concessions and improvements. The Company has ignored these in order to push its preferred outcomes.
A direct ballot is legally possible, but it undermines the bargaining process that exists to protect pilots’ interests. If this path is taken, we will provide a clear recommendation to vote NO.
Beware of Conditioning
Pilots should also be cautious of the conditioning at play. By circulating their proposals directly, Qantas is attempting to normalise its own framing of what is “reasonable” and subtly shift expectations downwards. This is a deliberate strategy, repeat the same figures and structures often enough, and they begin to feel inevitable. It is important to recognise this for what it is: a tactic to soften resistance and secure acceptance of a package that delivers minimal benefit to pilots while locking in significant long-term advantages for the Company.
What Qantas Left Out
Despite presenting their material as a “full picture,” critical elements were downplayed or omitted:
- New Pay Structure: Andrew Coull neglected to highlight that Qantas is shifting to a time in category pay model (based on fleet and rank) instead of the long-standing years of service structure. This change penalises any pilot who transitions fleets or ranks, resetting their pay progression and reducing long-term earnings.
- No Back Pay & Wage Freeze: The proposal includes no back pay for the period already worked under the expired agreement, alongside an initial wage freeze. Qantas claim this freeze is “offset” but only for pay rates going forward. In reality, the lost earnings for the entire period since expiry are not restored. That means the freeze is not offset at all, it is simply locked-in lost income.
- Minimal Value of Concessions: When accounting for the standard 3% baseline, Qantas’ own valuation of the entirety of the claimed concessions (excluding reserve seniority) equates to around 3% over six years, or just 0.5% per year.
What This Means for You
Both Option A and Option B fall well short of pilot expectations and industry benchmarks. The supposed “choice” is a false one, both options overwhelmingly favour the Company.
History shows that when Qantas rushes packages out directly, it is linked to cost-cutting agendas, not genuine partnership with pilots.
The AFAP is prepared for the possibility that Qantas will try to force a direct ballot. If that happens, we will strongly recommend a NO vote and provide members with clear, detailed analysis on why these packages are unacceptable.
No Agreement Has Been Reached
It is also important to set the record straight: no agreement, provisional or otherwise, has been reached on any part of this package. Company communications may give the impression that consensus has been achieved on certain items, but this is misleading. From the outset, both the AFAP and Qantas have been clear that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. Isolating individual claims or provisions outside of a full package context is contrary to that principle and risks creating confusion among pilots. It is important to note that these were the very negotiating terms Qantas itself set at the outset of discussions.
Next Steps
We will continue to push for a fair outcome that recognises the value of Long Haul pilots and restores ground lost in recent agreements. Your support and unity are critical in resisting tactics that are designed to divide and weaken us.
Stay engaged, stay informed, and remember: a direct ballot without union endorsement is not the end of negotiations, it is a tactic we can collectively defeat.
Questions and Feedback
If you have any questions or feedback please contact your AFAP Qantas Pilot Council representatives at qpc@afap.org.au, or the AFAP legal and industrial team of Senior Legal/ Industrial Officer Pat Larkins (patrick@afap.org.au), Senior Industrial Officer Deanna Cain (deanna@afap.org.au) or Executive Director Simon Lutton (simon@afap.org.au).
Regards,
AFAP Qantas Pilot Council
Michael Egan – Chair
Mark Gilmour – Vice-Chair
Rob Close – Secretary
Michael Armessen – Committee Member
David LaPorte – Committee Member
Josh Chalmers – Committee Member