AFAP Narrow Body EA Update No 36
Virgin Pilots Vote YES!
The ballot for the proposed 2024 EA closed at 23:59 last night and we are pleased to report that the pilot group has strongly supported the proposed 2024EA.
98% of pilots participated in the vote, and of those 75% voted for and 25% voted against the proposal.
This positive outcome will result in immediate and substantial base salary increases for all pilots, along with a range of other improvements to working conditions. Importantly, the 2024EA places pilots in a better financial position than they were pre-pandemic while retaining and improving upon the industry leading lifestyle conditions we have worked so hard to achieve.
The AFAP is proud of the comprehensive package we have negotiated, which provides Virgin pilots with long-term financial stability and certainty for the next three years.
The Agreement will now be lodged with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) within 14 days for formal approval and will take effect at the start of the first full Roster Period occurring seven days after approval. We anticipate that the approval process may take between 2-4 weeks to complete. As part of this process, the AFAP will also apply to the FWC to be covered by the Agreement.
Key remuneration provisions, including the increased base salaries, higher productivity rates for hours exceeding the Credit Hour Threshold, and ‘draft’ payments, will be backdated to 30 September. These payments will be made no later than the first pay day following the first full pay period after the Commencement Date. The sign on bonus will also be paid on the first pay day following the first full pay period after the Commencement Date.
Additionally, the new ODTA and IDTA rates (paid from sign on to sign off at the hourly rate) will be implemented within 3 months and be backdated to the Commencement Date of the Agreement.
We wish to thank all pilots who participated in the ballot and for having your say. The high voting turnout reflects the collective engagement and commitment of the pilot group, with a decisive three-quarters majority supporting the Agreement.
We would also like to thank all of you who contributed throughout the 18-month process, whether through participating in surveys, attending roadshows and webinars, providing feedback to your representatives, or communicating directly with AFAP industrial staff. Your input was instrumental in shaping the final package that has been achieved.
Finally, we would like to acknowledge the exceptional support of the AFAP’s legal and industrial team, particularly Deanna Cain and Patrick Larkins. The AFAP’s collaborative approach to negotiations, combining the expertise of elected pilot representatives with the professionalism of AFAP staff, has been key to securing the best possible outcome for all Virgin pilots.
Thank you once again for your participation and continued support.
Questions
For any general inquiries regarding this update or other matters at Virgin please contact the elected representatives directly, or AFAP legal industrial team of Senior Legal/ Industrial Officer Pat Larkins (
patrick@afap.org.au) and AFAP Senior Legal/ Industrial Officer Deanna Cain (
deanna@afap.org.au), 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.
Regards,
AFAP 2024 EA Negotiating Team
First Officer Steve Hungerford – Chair
Captain Ben Raby
Captain Brad Wilson
Captain Mark Bannister