AFAP Update - Chartair Pilots & Award Entitlements
The AFAP thank the Chartair pilots that attended AFAP meetings and the National Council Roadshow event during August in Darwin. These opportunities to get to know the pilot group and discuss a broad range of matters is always valuable.
The AFAP have reviewed the pilot’s pay information provided since the concerns of the Chartair July 2024 pay increases and we have queried Chartair on addressing some ongoing and new matters.
See attached AFAP correspondence from the AFAP to Chartair CEO.
In summary the AFAP are seeking Chartair new management undertake steps to ensure all payments and workplace rights are appropriately approached as per the Air Pilots Award 2020 and Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
Re Email Commentary to Pilots
To provide an update to pilots that unpaid wages/allowances can be claimed for up to 6 years under the FW Act (due to email references to 12 month claims for allowances).
Re Piston Engine Commuter Allowance
Although the AFAP believe the application this addition to salary is broader, to provide all Chartair pilots on 'scheduled services' this allowance as per the position provided to the AFAP on 6 Dec 2024 relating to the 1984 Award - as a step in good faith.
Re Additions to Salary i.e. Training Pilot
Provide additions to salary (i.e. for training pilots only informed to receive 5% addition to salary) the correct rate of 6% (for 11 or more pilots), and pay the pilots back pay where underpaid.
Re Work on RDO (or day rate) Payments
For pilots aware of this issue, the creative (or crazy) accounting in Chartair that calculating the Award daily/hourly rate of 14 days per fortnight (not the accepted national Employment Standard and Award 38 hour week). This ongoing mess and still needs attention in Chartair. Therefore the AFAP seek (and are prepared to assist Chartair further),
- Any underpayments are addressed, due to the day rate that is a below-Award rate.
- Engage in a new approach to work on RDO payment (i.e. lump sum or productivity payment) that is not below-Award.
- Transparency on a list of payments (de-identified) from Chartair, as per the previous response that these day rate payments do not occur – noting transparency is key as Chartair may become subject to investigation.
- Chartair to address, as required by the Fair Work Act and Regulations any inaccuracies on employee records, including pay-slips (that show the employee worked 14 hours or days).
Re Training Bonds Out of Scope with the Award
The AFAP has requested that Chartair acknowledge they are on notice regarding training bonds that are outside of scope with the Award (for training other than new class/type rating or upgrade in command (upgrade in rank and status). The AFAP encourage our members to seek advice regarding their individual training bond matters and/or payments requested by the company.
Pending a response from the company requested by 10 October 2024, the AFAP will provide a further update to members.
If you have any feedback or queries, please contact AFAP Industrial Officer, Jason Newell on Jason@afap.org.au.