Yesterday, the AFAP, AIPA and TWU met with Jetstar for further bargaining discussions.
Jetstar advised that it is still costing and considering the revised Joint Union position tabled last week, which was presented in response to the Company’s latest position communicated to pilots.
Due to multiple layers of internal governance and the unavailability of key stakeholders this week, Jetstar indicated it was not in a position to formally respond to the Joint Union position at this meeting.
However, the Company did present some preliminary costing analysis acknowledging that the unions have moved considerably in the interests of reaching a negotiated outcome. This movement represents a genuine effort by all three unions to present a credible, unified position capable of endorsement and forming the basis of an agreement. Importantly, Jetstar advised it remains open to further negotiation.
Given the fluid nature of discussions and the dynamic negotiation environment, we are not in a position to share details of the Joint Union minimum position at this stage. As is always the case in bargaining, the strategic handling of positions and costings remains critical while discussions are ongoing.
Member Poll Results
At the meeting, the unions also presented the results of our recent joint poll.
There was significant engagement across all three unions, with a total of 935 combined responses, reflecting a substantial and representative cross-section of the pilot group.
The results were as follows:
- 869 pilots (92.9%) would reject the Company offer
- 66 pilots (7.1%) would accept the Company offer
- 835 pilots (97.1%) support filing for a PABO / taking Protected Industrial Action (PIA)
- 25 pilots (2.9%) do not support PABO / PIA
We sincerely thank all pilots who took the time to complete the poll and demonstrate their support for your negotiating teams.
Jetstar did not appear surprised by this data. We remain hopeful that the Company recognises that further movement and a larger cost envelope will be required for any package to be capable of being supported by the pilot group.
Today’s Qantas Group Half Year 2026 Results place Jetstar in a strong position to recognise the ongoing contribution of its pilots within an operation of increasing scale and complexity, while still ensuring the business remains “fighting fit” in a competitive market.
Next Steps
Further bargaining meetings are scheduled next week, where we expect a formal response to our revised Joint Union position.
Should Jetstar not be in a position to agree to, or demonstrate meaningful movement toward, a package capable of endorsement, the unions have formally requested an in-person meeting with CEO Steph Tully and COO Matt Franzi before determining next steps.
The unions will continue to exhaust every reasonable avenue at the bargaining table before moving to escalation.
The AFAP is prepared to use every tool available to us, including Protection Industrial Action (PIA) if necessary, to achieve a better outcome. We have experience doing so, most recently at Network Aviation, Rex, and Jetstar in 2019. However, these decisions are never taken lightly. PIA carries potential risks and uncertainty, and any decision to proceed is made with a full appreciation of the financial and industrial implications for members.
Your negotiating team remains firmly committed to achieving a fair and sustainable outcome.
The message from the pilot group is clear. The opportunity remains for Jetstar to respond constructively and return with a package capable of endorsement.
We will keep you fully informed following next week’s meetings.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support.
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.
Members can also engage constructively with AFAP pilot representatives and industrial staff via the members-only AFAP Telegram forum here.
Regards,
AFAP Jetstar Negotiating Team
Chris Gibson, Dominic Corcoran, Daniel Blakemore, Ben Bollen, Jake Gainger and Paul Hogan