Update AFAP & Nauru Airlines Meet
Following on from communication in late 2023, last fortnight the AFAP met with the Nauru Airlines HOFO, Deputy HOFO and Line Ops Manager at the AFAP (meeting on Wed 7 Feb 2023). This discussion identified a number of steps being put into action by the company.
The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) was represented by Industrial Officer Jason Newell and Senior Industrial Officer James Mattner, approached as an informal meeting including general updates on the company, including matters on staffing, training and upgrade opportunities, aircraft and routes.
Accommodation Concerns
The discussion lead into the concerns of the pilot group about accommodation during layovers away from home base. The HOFO explained the steps that were being undertaken to mitigate the issues in identified locations, and noted the input of the pilot group in working through solutions was appreciated. Nauru Airlines sent out an update to the pilot group late last week.
The accommodation matters as per the update from the company have implemented actions to mitigate some of the issues raised by the pilot group. The concern remains that some challenges are hard to overcome or mitigation strategies may not always be as effective as intended.
The AFAP encourage all pilots (as necessary and required) to continue to make reports to the company on accommodation issues, hazards (workplace health and safety reports) and importantly fatigue reporting. This information is important for considerations, such as the company responding to safety concerns, ongoing risk mitigation and future scheduling planning.
The approach rostered shifts as per the Award remains part of an ongoing discussion (Re Award limit to scheduled tour of 11 hours, and extension to 12 hours). The company does not see an immediate resolution to the award conditions via the approach to an FRMS – noting an FRMS would remove certain Award rules on periods of work and rest.
The option of facilitative arrangements under the Award has come up, whether or not this approach is an appropriate solution needs further consideration, either way the AFAP can represent members and provide guidance. Whether a resolution may be in future schedules and negotiated changes may also be worth exploring.
Other Matters
The Award does include consultation requirements on roster changes. The AFAP will encourage the company to engage with the pilots (and AFAP), in order to improve various challenges in future scheduling into 2024.
The AFAP will reiterate this expectation to the company and with genuine engagement with the pilot group is a valuable process to genuinely pursue – including input on scheduling and roster construction (including planned layovers), as this may allow the company to move away from some of the issues currently presenting.
The AFAP has not to date pursued the hardlying allowances raised in late 2023 (under the Award they are applicable where appropriate accommodation is not provided). The focus has been on the accommodation standards and wellbeing of the pilot group, however if award entitlements are not paid at all in due course, we will consider options available.
Should you have any feedback, queries or additional matters you would like to raise please contact either Jason Newell on jason@afap.org.au , or James Mattner on james@afap.org.au.
Regards,
The AFAP Industrial Team