EA Update – Retention Payments Announced – Indicative of Real Problems within Network!!
The AFAP understands that today the company announced a retention incentive for all Network pilots. For over a year we’ve been arguing that the situation in Network was becoming untenable due to the poor terms and conditions and that letting this situation drag will effectively force pilots to leave in what is a tight labour market.
Consequently, and unfortunately, our predictions have come true as pilots quite rightfully decide the company’s whole handling of the Network negotiations means they have no confidence in any form of enlightenment hitting this management soon. Indeed the level of disconnect between the pilots and Network management has been exemplified by this announcement – an announcement only made after the ‘proverbial had already hit the fan’!!
Please be aware that the figure announced by the company was done unilaterally and without any prior notification with the AFAP. Indeed had we been notified we would have warned Network that the incentive payment would be highly likely to be regarded as a slap in the face for Network pilots. Noting that the payment is inclusive of super and before tax, it will equate to roughly $2,500 per quarter after tax!!
Taking into account the agreements in the industry currently and the fact that many pilots are deciding to leave for greener pastures, the actions of this company are a further indication of their inability to properly and positively seek to press the reset button within Network. This management seemingly bumbles from one disaster to another.
Furthermore, the AFAP is becoming more and more aware of ongoing poor management practices occurring within Network, and consequently while we await both the outcome of the Fair Work Commission proceedings, and the Australian Electoral Commission to undertake the new Council elections (over which we have no control), we thought it would be timely to arrange an informal council type meeting which will include your current reps plus any current member interested in potentially nominating for the Council vacancies when they are announced.
Dates for this potential meeting will be sent through very soon but in the meantime we suggest that pilots voice their disapproval and anger at still being treated as second class pilots in the Qantas group.
As always your reps are:
Stephen Maughan:
smaughan@iinet.net.au
Cameron Mapley:
Mappers@gmail.com
Ben Walmsley:
ben.walms@gmail.com
In addition, the AFAP Senior Industrial Officer Chris Aikens is contactable on
chris@afap.org.au