AFAP Update - Chartair Pilots & Award Entitlements
The last AFAP correspondence from the AFAP to Chartair continued to seek clarification on pay issues, including additions to salary (training captain amounts, commuter allowance), day pay rates, pay slips information and scope of training bonds.
A copy of the letter is here.
During October and November 2024, the AFAP had several phone meetings/discussions regarding these ongoing issues with the Chartair CEO.
From the discussions, several expected steps were to occur from these discussions.
- Day rate underpayments – Chartair to review AFAP claim to determine quantum and consider resolution (view there was only small number of claims to be repaid)
- Some discussions on updating pay slips in accordance with the Fair Work Act and Regs to be accurate (we understood Chartair needed to review system/administrative changes).
- Chartair to provide the AFAP additional information on their position Re Commuter allowance (A.1.3 of the Award) – some info was provided in late November (see notes below).
- Responses or emails to be provided from Chartair CEO to the AFAP to explore resolutions of issues. This correspondence remains outstanding.
- Parties to explore options to get certainty on application of the conditions (i.e. resolving in Fair Work Commission).
Re Commuter allowance
The Chartair position, communicated to the pilot group is essentially referring to commuter categories in CASA Regs - which we do not agree to this narrow interpretation to restrict the allowance to particular aircraft type(s) that Chartair do not operate.
To get resolution, the AFAP have sought clarification on Chartair’s commitment to the mutual agreement to achieve greater certainty on the Award application (i.e. mutual agreement of the parties to be bound by a Fair Work Commission arbitration). The AFAP expect a response from Chartair in the next week. If there remains a mutual position to get certainty we will provide an update on that process, or any alternate process as necessary.
Training Bonds – Out of Scope of the Award
The AFAP remain concerned that Chartair may be seeking to continue with bonds outside the scope of the Award. The AFAP has assisted members and intervened where the employer sought payments for bonds outside the scope of the Award.
As per the Fair Work Act employees have the right to withdraw an agreement for a deduction (including a training bond repayments) from your wages and entitlements at any time.
As some bonds may be in scope of the Award, it is recommended members seek guidance and advice regarding their individual training bond matters (or payments relating to bonds).
Next Steps
Pending the ongoing discussions as above, we hope to provide updates in near future.
If you have any feedback or queries, please contact AFAP Senior Industrial Officer, Jason Newell on Jason@afap.org.au.