The AFAP Negotiating Team met with Jetstar representatives on Tuesday this week to continue discussions on the Enterprise Agreement (EA).
Representing the AFAP were pilot representatives Chris Gibson, Dom Corcoran, Paul Hogan, Dan Blakemore, Ben Bollen, and Jake Gainger, supported by Senior Industrial/Legal staff Deanna Cain and Patrick Larkins.
Jetstar was represented by Tyrone Simes (Chief Pilot), Michael Porch (Senior Manager Flying Operations), Leah Everton (Senior Manager Operational Insights & Strategy) and Tim Faulkner (Employee Relations Manager - Flying Operations)
AFAP Response to Jetstar Package
As outlined in our previous update here, Jetstar tabled the framework of a comprehensive EA package at the last meeting which was presented as a fulsome response to the key AFAP claims raised throughout bargaining.
Since then, the AFAP negotiating team has undertaken detailed analysis of Jetstar’s proposed package and developed a counterproposal, which we presented to Jetstar at our bargaining meeting on Tuesday.
The AFAP’s response included a revised based salary structure that maintains multiple pay levels across Captain and First Officer ranks and addresses the concerns we identified with Jetstar’s proposed pay model.
We have refined elements of the pay structure initially tabled by the AFAP (see here and here) based on both member and Company feedback, including moving away from the qualification based progression (e.g. ATPL and meeting command requirements) which Jetstar indicated would be problematic to administer. Instead, we have adopted Jetstar’s preference for linking First Officer pay levels to total flight hours and time in rank. We have also refined how existing Captains would transition and then progress through to the pay level structure, recognising time in rank.
In addition, the AFAP’s counterproposal incorporated the core elements of a package that would be required for a deal capable of AFAP endorsement, including:
- Increased DDOs consistent with our benchmarking;
- Roster Credit Protection;
- Duty Rig;
- ATO Allowances Table 8 for NB ODTA and WB meal allowances (in place of the Mercer index);
- Enhanced credits; and
- Standby credits and standby displacement protection/mitigation.
We note that our key claims around standby were noticeably absent from Jetstar’s proposed package.
Jetstar’s Preliminary Feedback
Jetstar has taken the AFAP’s package away for internal analysis and costing. While no formal response was provided at this stage, Jetstar indicated that standby credits are viewed as a significant cost item that would materially impact the base salary structure it could offer. This was presented as preliminary feedback, with Jetstar to assess the financial implications of the AFAP’s counterproposal in preparation for a detailed response at the next round of meetings.
Jetstar also reiterated its view that, contrary to some external messaging, STB duties are already compensated through a pilot’s guaranteed base salary, which assumes 233 available duty days per year (less annual leave). Jetstar further noted that the recent Federal Court decision in AFAP v Corporate Air Charter does not require employers to provide additional payment or credit for standby duties.
The AFAP is, of course, fully aware of the implications of that case, having successfully run it. We acknowledge that counting standby/reserve hours towards the 38 ordinary hours per week is relevant only for the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT) at the EA approval stage when comparing a proposed agreement with the Award minimum conditions. STB credits are not required for an EA to be complaint with the Fair Work Act.
As previously explained, we have leveraged the Corporate Air decision in our base salary proposal by seeking a compliance uplift be applied to the existing pay structure. Jetstar has accepted an uplift is to be applied, although our calculations and approach to maintaining relativities does differ.
Having said this, the lifestyle impact of standby, and the clear aversion pilots have to the disruption this causes to rosters, remains a central concern that the AFAP is seeking to address. Providing STB credits does go some way toward recognising and mitigating that impact, however, we remain open-minded about alternative approaches that address the pain points of STB while ensuring we do not detract from one of our key priorities - to maximise guaranteed base salaries for all pilots.
Overall, Jetstar expressed concern that the AFAP’s proposed package sits outside its approved cost envelope. While there may be some scope to re-balance or re-allocate elements within that envelope, Jetstar stated that it had already gone out on a limb and put its best foot forward, indicating there was no additional funding available beyond what has already been approved.
Next Steps
While we acknowledge the AFAP’s proposed package exceeds Jetstar’s stated cost envelope, this is both necessary and justified to meet benchmarking objectives and member expectations. We will continue to push for a fair, competitive outcome that genuinely reflects the value of Jetstar pilots’ work and the contributions they make to the Qantas Group’s ongoing profitability.
Further updates and details will be provided following Jetstar’s formal response to our package.
The next EA meetings are scheduled for the week commencing 27 October where we expect Jetstar to provide a comprehensive response, including details of its costing analysis.
AFAP Telegram Chat Forum
A reminder to members who have not yet joined the AFAP Telegram Chat Forum, launched by the JPF earlier this year, you can do so via the link below:
https://t.me/+w_dAyA2mrlQ0ZGI9.
This forum is open to AFAP members only, and participants are required to join and post using their real name (no pseudonyms). This rule has already proven effective in fostering constructive discussions and creating a respectful environment for meaningful conversation about the 2025 EA negotiations.
JPF committee members actively monitor the forum, respond to questions, and provide updates. Our goal is to maintain an open and supportive space where all contributions are valued and members can stay informed throughout the negotiation process.
We encourage new participant to familiarise themselves with the AFAP JPF Telegram Rule Set.
If you have any questions, your pilot representatives and AFAP industrial officers Deanna Cain, Pat Larkins or Andrew Molnar are available to assist via jetstar@afap.org.au or call (03) 9928 5737.
Regards,
AFAP Jetstar Negotiating Team
Chris Gibson, Dominic Corcoran, Daniel Blakemore, Ben Bollen, Jake Gainger and Paul Hogan