Narrow Body EA Update #8
On Wednesday the AFAP met with Virgin and the TWU to hear the Company’s updated offer. As outlined, this meeting occurred following direct feedback from the AFAP regarding the inadequacy of previous offers and that without significant improvements we would need to consult with members on our options.
Present from the Company was Alex Scamps (General Manager, Flight Operations & Chief Pilot), Nev Spencer (Deputy Chief Pilot), Jo Glynn (General Manager, Workplace Relations), Tessa Merrick (Head of Workplace Relations), Chris Schomberg (Senior Business Partner), Evert Meyer (General Manager, Strategy & Planning), David Tay (Senior Manager, Strategy and Planning), Richard Paterson (Head of Finance – FP&A Flight Operations), Jess Chen (Finance Leader), Kieren Wragge (Manager, Workforce Planning Flight Crew), Adam Wall (Manager, Workforce Planning Strategy), Ash Ford (Head of Network and Crew Operations Delivery), Claire Chevalier (Head of Operations Transformation), and Kylie Laukis Clements (Specialist, Flight Crew Tracking).
Representing the AFAP were First Officer Steve Hungerford (VPF Chair), First Officer Shaun Rudduck (VPF Vice-Chair), Captain Ben Raby, Captain Brad Wilson, Captain Mark Bannister, Deanna Cain (AFAP Senior Legal/ Industrial Officer) and Patrick Larkins (AFAP Senior Legal/ Industrial Officer).
The updated proposal was a significant improvement on the previous position, with regards to both remuneration and work rules, and as such necessitates the AFAP team giving it further consideration. This work will occur over the next week, and we have asked for a number of clarifications before providing our response.
At this stage the parties have all agreed it is premature to release details of the offer as critical elements need further clarification. When we have these key details confirmed we will provide the offer in full to members for feedback. We expect that this will be next week.
The Company outlined a preference to have a document voted on by pilots prior to the expiry of the current EA (May/ June) which the AFAP supports, as it would not delay pilots pay rises and improvements in terms and conditions.
The AFAP took the opportunity to meet with the TWU representatives without Virgin present. We proposed it would be preferable to reach a consensus on a joint response to Virgin’s offer in the interests of getting the best deal we can. While we may not be able to reach a consensus, the AFAP advised the TWU we would share our position prior to providing a response to Virgin and would welcome TWU support to show a unified front on behalf of pilots.
As always members should contact the elected representatives directly, or alternatively post on the AFAP Forum or email
virginNBEBA@afap.org.au should you have any questions or feedback regarding EA negotiations.
Alternatively, email general industrial queries to
virginAIC@afap.org.au, Safety and Technical matters to
technical@afap.org.au, and HOTAC issues/ reports to HOTAC@afap.org.au.
Regards,
AFAP 2024 EA Negotiating Team
First Officer Steve Hungerford – Chair
First Officer Shaun Rudduck – Vice-Chair
Captain Ben Raby
Captain Brad Wilson
Captain Mark Bannister
Pat Larkins – AFAP Senior Industrial/ Legal Officer
Deanna Cain – AFAP Senior Industrial/ Legal Officer