QPC Briefing No. 32 2026 (Updated)
EA11 Negotiations Update
Further to our earlier update today, Qantas has served the AFAP with an application under section 240 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) for the Fair Work Commission to assist the parties in resolving the bargaining dispute. The application also names AIPA and two other independent bargaining representatives.
The matter will be listed for conciliation before a Fair Work Commission Member in due course, with the timing and conduct of the conciliation process to be determined by the Commission.
In the meantime, the AFAP will meet with Qantas this Friday as scheduled, where we expect the Company to formally respond to the AFAP's proposal. That meeting will provide the AFAP with the opportunity to assess whether there remains a realistic pathway to reaching an in-principle agreement through bargaining.
Regardless of the outcome of Friday's discussions, the AFAP intends to participate fully in the section 240 conciliation process before the Fair Work Commission to explore every reasonable opportunity to reach a negotiated agreement that addresses the priorities identified by members and is capable of AFAP endorsement.
As previously advised, the commencement of a section 240 conciliation does not prevent a bargaining representative from applying for a Protected Action Ballot Order if that ultimately becomes necessary.
We will continue to keep members informed of any further developments as bargaining progresses.
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Questions and Feedback
If you have any questions or further feedback, please contact your AFAP Qantas Pilot Council representatives at qpc@afap.org.au, or the AFAP Legal and Industrial team:
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
Rob Gilmour – Committee Member