NJS Pilot Council - September Update
Your AFAP council wanted to do a brief update to the membership regarding the proposals made to the company in July and a few other items of interest.
Retention Incentive Proposal
Back in July the AFAP pilot council presented to the company a proposal for an increase in remuneration based on feedback received from the pilot group to help rebuild morale and bridge the gap between NJS and other operators. The company has been contacted for an official response and we now expect that response in a couple of weeks.
The proposal was so well received from the pilot group and this sentiment has been passed on to management. It is now an opportunity for Qantas management to show the NJS pilot group how valued they are within the group and reverse some of the damage done at the last negotiations.
The pilot council understands the delayed response is frustrating and will continue to impress on the company how important this is to the pilots and chase up an official response so that everyone knows where they stand and make decisions on their future accordingly.
7 Day Endorsement Call Back Proposal
At the same meeting in July the company discussed what to do with pilots waiting for their A220 endorsement and after the retirement of the B717. They expressed their need for a mechanism to change endorsement dates of individuals whether that be earlier or later.
The council proposed a 7 day notice period for those that opt-in instead of rostering pilots on a training reserve as suggested by the company up until their endorsement. It was a presented as a win-win for both sides.
This was well received by the company and the council has been advised they are not opposed to the idea. Whilst more work has to be done and approvals from other areas in the group still to be received, the council remains hopeful of a successful outcome on this proposal.
Forced Annual Leave
The council also expects the company to use the EBA mechanism to force pilots, who have in excess of 56 days, to take annual leave. We have been advised that this is actually quite a small number of pilots and those affected are reminded that the EBA is quite specific in requirements when being forced on leave. If you are contacted by the company it is important you become familiar with these requirements and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the council for more information.
iFlight Allowances
Your Council reps are also picking up on the frustration and anger from pilots, as it has seemingly come to light that iflight has not been automatically paying allowances owed particularly during the simulator part of the endorsement. This is despite assurances that an automated system was in place. Further frustration is growing in that once applied for no information is forthcoming from the company as to whether claims are approved or denied.
Consequently we encourage everyone to check their allowances carefully and that during the type rating training component to manually submit allowance requests for all meal allowances until the company can find a suitable solution. The AFAP Council will be writing to the company to seek an urgent resolution to this problem.
As always your council reps are always keen to hear back on all issues, we are:
Anthony Clouting on
clouters@me.com
Eric Galliers on
ericgalliers@hotmail.com
Justin Gordon on
justin.gordon69@gmail.com
Paul Davison on
paul_davison85@hotmail.com
In addition, AFAP staff member Chris Aikens can be contacted on
chris@afap.org.au. The AFAP Member Assistance Program (MAP) can also be accessed via Freecall 1300 307 912