AFAP BONZA MEMBERS’ MEETING
The AFAP has scheduled an AFAP members’ meeting on:
Wednesday 29 May 2024, 14.00 AEST.
Following updates from the Administrator this week, this meeting is for members to ask questions, discuss matters, and work on matters together as a group.
The AFAP meeting link is:
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 440 579 863 783
Passcode: pJbaWY
BONZA ADMINSTRATORS UPDATES
Members may be following the ongoing updates from Bonza's Administrators (Hall Chadwick), including the Federal Court approved extended convening period up to the 29 July 2024. A Daisytek order allows the Administrator to conduct the 2nd creditors meeting at any time in the extended convening period and must be completed within 5 business days of the extended date. Therefore, the 2nd creditors meeting must be conveyed on or before 5 August 2024.
The AFAP acknowledge this extension of the Administration will be concerning to the pilot group. This uncertainty results in difficult circumstances where pilots are currently stood down without pay. The AFAP hopes that the town hall meeting planned for this Wednesday may provide some further information.
The AFAP encourage all pilots to seek a broad range of assistance including, if not already explored, financial support options from Services Australia (Centrelink), including considering alternate employment options.
The AFAP are seeking feedback from the Administrator and the Department of Workplace Relations (who look after the FEG scheme) regarding options for employees currently exploring alternate employment – and hope to have some clarification on certain circumstances in due course.
COMMITTEE OF INSPECTION
The AFAP (and other Unions) have been confirmed as members of the Committee of Inspection (COI), as per the Creditor update on the 24 May 2024.
No COI meeting been scheduled as yet, however we are expecting further information from the Administrator and will provide updates in due course.
PROOF OF DEBT
The AFAP encourage all members to review their proof of debt forms, and recommends that it is best practice to continue to update these on a regular basis (this may include submitting updates as required).
Your entitlements at this time will include the following.
- Unpaid wages
- Unused Annual Leave (continues to accrue during the stand down period)
- Accrued RDOs (if applicable)
- Allowances (expenses)
- Award entitlements that are payable*
*Note the AFAP are continuing to review the impact on Captains of the ‘perpetual’ Guarantee of Annual Earnings arrangements that may be contained in employment contracts.
The AFAP seek feedback from members if there are any concerns about the implications when comparing the Award and contractual conditions regarding any money owed to you, therefore may assist us in assessing this matter further.
The AFAP are also reviewing the issues associated with entitlements relating to the termination of employment usually available to pilots as per the Award. This includes the right to post-employment reimbursements relating to qualifications on termination, which are an issue in the case of liquidation.
MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM & AFAP WELFARE REPS
Reminder that all members of the AFAP (and with AFAP approval, their immediate family too) are entitled to use the Member Assistance Program (MAP). The MAP is a short-term 24/7 counselling and advisory service, where professional assistance from psychologists trained in pilot-specific issues is available.
The contact number for MAP - 1300 307 912.
The service is confidential, and your personal information will not be discussed with anyone, including the AFAP.
Additionally, the AFAP Welfare officers for the National Pilot Council may also be of potential assistance to individual pilots that wish to discuss matters. You can find the list of AFAP Welfare representatives on the AFAP website here:
https://www.afap.org.au/membership/member-articles/welfare-services/welfare-representatives
Should you have any questions for the AFAP about any of these matters, please contact:
- James Mattner - james@afap.org.au or 0477 001 817
- Jason Newell - jason@afap.org.au or 0466 780 847