Below we provide an Update on the matters discussed at the February AIC. Before that we wanted to advise that the AFAP was only made aware of the announcement that VARA plans to operate at least 4 E190-E2 or Airbus A220-100 aircraft, shortly before the public announcement.
In our view this second attempt at an F100 fleet replacement has come about because of a failure by Virgin to undertake proper diligence on the ability for the B737-700 to operate into all F100 ports. Regardless of where the accountability for these failings lies, this announcement is no doubt now causing undue stress not only for VAA pilots, but also for F100 pilots that have transferred to the VAA B737 on a maximum period basis of 18 months, and also those that remain on the F100.
The agreed outcome following the recent F100 fleet replacement consultation process was that the F100 was being replaced by the B737-700 with pilots and flying transferring to VAA. For the Company to now have to backtrack and seek another aircraft type to cover the 400 hours per RP that remain on the F100, under the guise of a fleet replacement for an aircraft which has already been replaced, is extremely embarrassing and shows a significant failure of project management.
The announcement that the “100-seat charter market” jet will need to fly RPT work to supplement the charter work is yet another blow to VAA pilots and will be seen as a transfer of work from VAA to VARA (without a right of rank transfer to VARA). There are also obvious complications around the charter work that has moved to the B737-700, which enabled the F100 pilots to transfer in rank, including a foreseeable risk that the company could move this work back to the “100-seat” jet.
This has implications for the transfer of F100 pilots to the B737 in base and rank, the company request for work rule changes to accommodate the charter work and the ongoing EA24 negotiations that we will now need to work through with the VPF committee and formulate a considered position.
The next AIC meeting is scheduled for next week in which we will raise further questions before the elected Virgin Council meets to consider our next steps. Further AFAP updates will follow providing more detail.
AFAP AIC February Meeting
On 14 February, AFAP AIC Pilot representatives Steve Hungerford, Shaun Rudduck and Mark Bannister, along with Senior Industrial Officers Pat Larkins and Deanna Cain attended the February AIC meeting.
Present from Virgin was Jo Glynn (General Manager, Workplace Relations), Tessa Merrick (Head of Workplace Relations), Kieren Wragge (Manager, Workforce Planning Flight Crew), Nev Spencer (Deputy Chief Pilot), Clair Chevalier (Head of Operations Transformation), Ash Ford (Head of Network and Crew Operations Delivery), Kylie Laukis Clements (Specialist, Flight Crew Tracking), and Chris Schomberg (Senior Business Partner). Alex Scamps (General Manager, Flight Operations & Chief Pilot) was only able to join the meeting for a short period due to a clash with another meeting.
The following topics were discussed:
CMS Update
Virgin has advised that there is an announcement to be made shortly regarding an upgrade to the CMS. We have not been briefed on what this upgrade might include, nor do we expect it to be a wholesale one.
Stuart Aggs has since indicated at the Flight Crew Town Hall on 6 March, that an official update is forthcoming.
Unforeseen Operational Circumstances – Proposed position
Virgin provided a presentation on the position that will be put to CASA to amend the FRMS to remove the definition of UOC and return to discretionary extensions of up to 2 hours (as operated prior to the FRMS trial that started in June 2021).
Virgin advised it wanted to simplify the process and remove confusion associated with when a pilot could or couldn’t extend. Virgin has developed the position in consultation with CASA (without AFAP involvement). Virgin said that it was CASA’s advice to go down this route.
From the AIC perspective this is EA compliant and therefore it does not require AIC approval.
The AFAP will provide response and input through FSAG into this proposal and update members separately on this issue.
Inconsistent FRMS rules in SSM7 and EA
The AFAP raised the ongoing confusion caused by inconsistent rules and the lack of a single source document for pilots to access, outside of the Implementation EA document the AFAP has compiled. Legally the more restrictive of the FRMS and EA rules take precedence, however pilots having to review multiple documents is causing confusion.
The AFAP proposed (and Virgin agreed) that the Company prepare, and the AIC approve, a single source compliant Work Rule set for publish to pilots, crewing and flight ops.
FDP limits for flight duties combined with ground duties
We have had examples of pilots being rostered ground duties after operating duties and it is unclear whether the FDP limit or 12 hour duty limit applies.
Virgin agreed with the AFAP position that it was the more restrictive of the FDP or the 12 hour ground duty limit that should apply.
A1 CAP Process
The manual has now been updated to reflect the CAP process more accurately. However, the AFAP raised concerns it was still not reflective of the process which is a formal command sim session (noting not graded to same standard).
The AFAP suggested a clearer guide (similar to that provided for a CPC) that does not need to provide the detail of the assessment session, however, would provide pilots general guidance on the types of scenarios to expect (such as a ground failure, MEL, minor/ major failure etc.) and that Virgin are assessing a pilots management model.
Charter Early Start Duty
Virgin proposed a 2 sector Charter Duty signing-on between 0200 – 0359, which would require an amendment to VAA Narrow Body Late Night Operations work rules approved by the AIC.
Virgin advised that even if the rule is approved by the AIC, the Company will roster East Coast Acclimatised pilots until the Sabre update is completed (no timeline was provided for this to be concluded).
The AFAP advised that the rule was never raised during F100 fleet replacement consultation and that we would not support a change to the work rules. The AFAP also had direct feedback from VARA pilots (including a former manager) who advised the proposed change to the schedule was due to RIO and aircraft parking bay restrictions at their sites.
Implementation of ALVS code
Pilots may see an ALVS code on their roster. This is to track when a pilot has no personal leave and they have converted this to ALV. The purpose of this code is for Virgin to track that the leave was not granted in a Resource Group as ad-hoc or balloted leave.
Use of SBYI code
Virgin has been applying a SBYI code when a pilot calls sick for a multi-day trip. Virgin has applied credits to SBYI the same as with any other SBY duty (min 4 including when not called). Under the EA, pilots assigned duties following sick leave are buffered by +/- 1 hour as with a displaced duty (unless the pilot agrees).
The AFAP advised our understanding was SBYI was the same process as DSBY and that the purpose of SBYI was to ensure that pilots had a fixed time to contact the Company if they were sick for day 2 onwards.
So for example, say a pilot called sick for a 3-day trip and day 2 had a SBYI period on day 2. If the pilot remained unwell into day 2, they would need to contact prior to the start time for SBY as in a normal removal from a SBY duty.
Virgin further advised the AIC that it has unilaterally removed the min 4 credit when pilots are not called on SBYI.
In response the AFAP advised that Virgin’s FAQs for its incentive’s payment for SBY stated that “4 hours credit for staying on Standby where a pilot is not called out” would apply. We can see no exclusion for being on SBYI, and in our view the 4 hours remains in place.
Virgin advised that crewing would review the process to see if SBYI addressed its concern that there was no fixed time for pilots to advise they were available or unavailable for duty on consecutive sick days.
Annual Leave Ballot – preparation.
Virgin advised that the multi-ballot system is still being developed, and the Company is proposing to conduct the Annual Leave Ballot in Sabre as per the process for last year.
The intent is to publish the ballot by the end of RP6.
International sign-off
Prior to the AIC the AFAP raised the issue of rostering duties with 60 minutes sign-off following an international duty. For 4-day trips this meant some duties signed off into day 5 in breach of the work rules.
Virgin has agreed to revert to a standard 30 minutes (with + 30 minutes added to the rest period as required by the EA) for all international duties.
10 year awards
Following representations made by the AFAP regarding the constraints on pilots utilising their Service Recognition Award, we are advised that Revenue Management have been able to tailor the Blackout dates to be more specific; this includes directional and days of weeks. e.g. CNSHND blacked out on Mon, Thu, Fri and Sat | HNDCNS on Mon, Sat and Sun. This means that there are never blackout dates on Tues or Wed during Peak Periods.
HOTAC
Nadi Hotel
The AFAP raised the temperature control and noise issues with aircraft at a nearby runway. We reiterated that Virgin in the past moved away from this hotel because of this issue amongst others. Virgin advised it would review and advise the AIC at the next meeting its position on compliance of this hotel.
Perth Hotel
In response to ongoing temperature control issues and noise (from other rooms) Virgin advised that API was holding a meeting with the Perth hotel.
Virgin representatives advised that if compliance with the EA could not be demonstrated then it was not afraid to rip up the contract. Again, Virgin was to report to AIC next week on its decision.
Adelaide Hotel
The AFAP followed up the reports relating to the hotel location and significant noise issues. Virgin agreed the location was not suitable and advised it was looking at sourcing a new hotel which would require going out to tender shortly.
We expect to be updated on any further developments at the AIC meeting next week.
Crew meals
The AFAP raised the spike in complaints regarding the standard of meals. We highlighted VA are paying for these meals and a consistent standard / quality needs to be met.
Virgin advised it was undertaking a crew meal review in March in Sydney and Perth. The AFAP has nominated pilot representatives to participate in both those sessions along with cabin crew representatives.
Virgin agreed that based on reports there had been a recent reduction in quality. It was looking also at rotations agreed at fixed cycles and that the move from sandwiches to cabin crew dinners for lunch had not improved quality of meals.
We continue to encourage Pilots to submit hotel, transport and meal reports direct to the AFAP as well as the Company through our HOTAC email address
HOTAC@afap.org.au. While we may not be in a position to respond to all emails from members, all emails are reviewed by AFAP HOTAC representatives.
New Member Elected to VPF
We congratulate Ken Winslow on his appointment to the Virgin Pilot Federation (VPF) to replace Rob Thomas who has left Virgin Australia to pursue other opportunities. We welcome Ken who has been an active AFAP member and is eager to represent his colleagues on the VPF.
This appointment was made unanimously by the VPF. Under the AFAP Rules this did not require an election given it is more than 12 months into the VPF term and Ken is appointed for the remainder of the current 2 year term of the VPF which ends in October this year.
VPF elections for the next 2 year term are expected to be held by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) later this year and a timetable once confirmed will be released to all members.
Should you have any questions regarding the above, please feel free to contact your AFAP AIC representatives or Senior Industrial Officers Patrick Larkins or Deanna Cain at the AFAP dedicated AIC email address
virginaic@afap.org.au, by posting on the VPF Forum (
https://afapvpf.discussioncommunity.com/) or by calling the AFAP office on (03) 9928 5737.
AFAP AIC Representatives
Steve Hungerford - Chair
Shaun Rudduck - Vice-Chair
Mark Bannister - HOTAC
Patrick Larkins - AFAP Senior Legal/Industrial Officer
Deanna Cain - AFAP Senior Legal/Industrial Officer