RFDS Qld - Negotiation Update
As you would have seen, the RFDS Qld is moving towards putting another agreement out for pilots to vote on.
Your AFAP bargaining representatives, James Bate and Leonard Nicholas, and independent bargaining representative Hayden Watson have been updating you regularly during the negotiation process. Even though this communication is coming directly from the AFAP, you can of course still ask James, Leonard and Hayden any questions you have, or provide comments to them.
It is important that you are aware that James, Leonard and Hayden (and former AFAP bargaining representative Nathan Petschel and former independent bargaining representative John Follent) have performed an outstanding job during the negotiations for this agreement. They have spent considerable personal time and resources on dealing with an employer that has proven difficult to deal with and inconsistent in its approach. On the other hand, James, Leonard and Hayden (and the former bargaining representatives) have acted with consistency in arguing for better terms and conditions for you, often in a hostile and difficult environment.
The AFAP cannot stop the RFDS Qld putting out an agreement to vote if the RFDS Qld wishes to do so. Ultimately it is a matter for pilots to vote on any proposed agreement.
The AFAP has clearly informed the RFDS Qld that it does not endorse the deal that is being put out. However, recognising that it is a matter for the pilots, the AFAP will not be running a no vote.
Whether this agreement is satisfactory at this point in time is a matter for you to decide.
The main components of the remuneration offer have been sent to you previously by the RFDS Qld. They are as follows:
- 8% from the first full pay period after the commencement of the Agreement (2024)
- 4% from the first full pay period after the 12-month anniversary of the commencement of the Agreement (2025)
- 3% from the first full pay period after the 24-month anniversary of the commencement of the Agreement (2026)
- A one-off payment calculated at 6% on current role base rate for the period 1 July 2023, to the day prior to the payment of the first increase under the new agreement (to be paid in the first full pay period after the commencement of the Agreement)
- A one-off payment of an industry allowance of $6000 (to be paid in the second full pay period after the commencement of the Agreement)
- An industry allowance equivalent to a total of $6000 paid in fortnightly increments for the period commencing from the 12-month anniversary of the commencement of the Agreement until the day immediately prior to the 24-month anniversary of the commencement of the Agreement (paid in year 2 of the Agreement only)
- Retention bonus of $5000 on the 12-month anniversary of the commencement of the Agreement
- Retention bonus of $5000 on the 24-month anniversary of the commencement of the Agreement
We urge anyone who wishes to be provided with the actual monetary amounts they will receive during the life of the agreement to contact the RFDS Qld and ask for them. By seeking and being provided with these directly from the RFDS Qld, there will be no misunderstandings should this agreement be voted up.
To this end, once it has been provided to you and you have reviewed it, if you have any questions about the operation of the proposed agreement, including remuneration elements, rostering practices and flexibility, or anything else at all, please ask the RFDS Qld and request to receive a response in writing. The RFDS Qld should be transparent in informing you of its intentions as to its obligations under this agreement.
It is imperative you, the pilots, clearly understand what you are voting for and we strongly urge you all to read the proposed agreement carefully, ask questions of the RFDS Qld and request to receive answers in writing.
Most importantly, when the time comes, ensure you vote.
The RFDS Qld has provided the AFAP with a copy of the proposed agreement and has asked for feedback by close of business on Thursday, 21 March 2024. James, Leonard and Hayden, together with the AFAP, are reviewing it now to ensure that it reflects the negotiations to date. It is not a review for the purposes of making further claims. Whether that occurs or not depends on whether this agreement in its current form is voted up by the pilots.
One we have reviewed the proposed agreement and provided our feedback, the RFDS Qld will provide further information on the voting process and provide you with a copy of the proposed agreement for your review.
If you have any questions, please contact James Mattner (james@afap.org.au) or Andrew Molnar (andrew@afap.org.au) by email or by calling (03) 9928 5737. Alternatively, please contact any of your bargaining representatives, who have done an outstanding job representing your interests.
Your AFAP Industrial Team