AFAP Narrow Body EA Update No 14
Update on Timeline for Release of Document
The AFAP has met with the Company for an intensive period of drafting over the past weeks since reaching in principle agreement. This has involved multiple days of meetings between the AFAP and Virgin each week to progress the drafting of the document.
We have made significant progress, and the document is close to finalisation. There remain some key sticking points which is normal for this stage of the process, as the devil is always in the detail.
The AFAP and Virgin have agreed that ensuring the agreement is accurately drafted and pilots have a proper opportunity to review the final document and inform themselves prior to voting is critical. As a result, the initial indicative voting timeline will be adjusted to allow for another week of drafting next week. The AFAP and Virgin are committed to having a final document for pilots to review as soon as possible.
In order to support the drafting process taking as long as necessary but ensure pilots are not financially disadvantaged, the AFAP has negotiated backpay for all the new EA REM entitlements. Backpay will be from the first full pay period after 1 July, which is the start of RP8 (8 July 2024). The entitlements to be back paid if required are:
- Base salary;
- Productivity hourly rate above the new Credit Hour Trigger (RP8 will be an Off-Peak due to roster build being underway, so it will be 65 Hour Trigger and 12 DDOs);
- Productivity hourly rate applying to draft payments;
- DTA;
- Table 3 ODTA;
- IDTA top up; and
- Other allowances (such as ad-hoc training, cancelled callout).
The intention is that the EA is voted on and in operation prior to 8 July, however if it is not Virgin will not have the benefit of any offsets in its favour until after the agreement is in operation.
Part-Time and Fatigue Credits
These key matters have been progressed significantly and we are close to finalisation of the process for fatigue credit payments and the package of part-time improvements. We intend to provide separate updates on these items once drafting is completed so that pilots can consider these matters in isolation prior to the release of the final document.
Roadshows
The AFAP are in the process of planning a timeline for our in-person roadshows and will provide details as soon as these dates are confirmed.
Questions
As always members should contact the elected representatives directly, or alternatively post on the AFAP Forum (https://afapvpf.discussioncommunity.com) 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