AFAP NJS Council Meeting Update - 28 January 2025
On Tuesday 28th January, the NJS AFAP Council met with company representatives to address ongoing concerns facing our pilot group. Present at the meeting from the council were Anthony Clouting, Eric Galliers, Paul Davison, and AFAP Industrial Officer Chris Aikens. Company representatives included COO Nick Collie, HOFO Tony MacDonald, and Ian Verner.
Nick Collie kicked off the meeting with a briefing highlighting interactions with NJS crews. It was encouraging to hear that so many pilots have been candid in sharing their experiences with Nick, providing valuable insights into the realities of working for NJS. The council strongly supports these open conversations, as they validate the issues we raise during meetings and help drive change.
While the new COO clearly recognised the importance of the upcoming EA negotiations it was made clear that despite the Councils recent attempt seek an out of EA pay rise, the company saw the best place to discuss any such changes was within the forthcoming negotiations at the end of the year. Basically the revised salary package we proposed would not be progressed outside formal EA negotiations.
The scale of the negotiating hill we will have to climb was also made clear by the COO, who while confirming the importance of trying to have NJS pilots being seen as part of the Qantas pilot family, also made it clear that the company’s current view was that they wanted to remove and not extend those pilots having access to business class during duty travel. It was explained that there is a push from management to remove legacy conditions in mainline and Qlink and not allow the same in our upcoming agreement.
Middle Seat Passenger Allocation & Boarding Numbers
The key issue of the meeting was the ongoing middle seat duty travel allocation affecting all bases. It’s become a common challenge with the app assigning middle seats to paxing crews requiring them to proactively resolve the situation by contacting the ROC or service desk.
While the company at these meetings frequently quote statistics on crew upgrades and middle seat allocations, these figures don’t capture the frustration pilots experience from having to repeatedly manage seat changes. The company has acknowledged this concern and is still exploring a digital solution to improve the process.
Until this digital solution is implemented, pilots are encouraged to report every instance of middle seat allocation and subsequent actions taken (such as contacting the ROC or service desk) via Intelex.
If you’re allocated a middle seat, or you need to change one, remember to Interlex it! This will help the company gather data and evidence needed to address the issue.
The company is also exploring allocation of higher boarding numbers when on duty travel to ensure you can get on early and find sufficient locker space and avoid those locker wars.
iFlight Allowances - Reminder and Updates
Unfortunately, the ground allowance issue remains unresolved. Pilots on ground duties must still submit the allowance form in Comply365 to ensure the allowance is properly allocated.
We were advised that flying duty allowances are now being processed correctly but talking to crews around the bases we remain sceptical of this. If you continue to face issues with allowances whilst on flying duty or overnighting, please inform the council so we can address them promptly.
Base Move Initiative - Update
Good news for those still considering a base move: The deadline of 30th June is no longer fixed. You can now move in the second half of the year and still choose to withdraw from any planned move at anytime. If this might benefit you, please contact your Base Manager.
“KANGA” Callsign - Clarification
There’s no need to worry as the much discussed and despised “KANGA” callsign proposal will not be used. Unfortunately, we’re not allowed to use Qantas as a callsign, but the intention is that we will be using QantasLink’s instead.
Ground School and Recruitment Updates
The May course will be the final one for pilots not on a leave of absence. By the time this newsletter is published, results should be available.
In the second half of the year, the first upgrade course for the four most senior First Officers will take place. Good luck to those four pilots beginning their command upgrades! Upgrades will continue to follow group seniority, that is, not base specific.
Additionally, NJS received around 50-60 applications from QantasLink turboprop pilots for transfer to NJS A220 operations. Interviews will be held in February, with courses expected to start later this year to early 2026.
FOQA Deed - A220 Update
The new FOQA deed, which will replace the B717 deed, is in the works. The transition is more complex than simply changing the title, as advancements in technology and new concerns require updates and enhancements to the deed. A draft for the A220 deed is being reviewed and will soon be distributed to unions for feedback and additions. In the meantime, pilots can rest assured that the FOQA program continues to operate as it did on the B717, ensuring ongoing protection.
AFAP Mutual Benefit Fund (MBF)
AFAP MBF board member Matt Neilson briefed the council on proposed upcoming changes to the fund. These changes are designed to make the product even more competitive and include:
- Increases to the maximum insured amount (up to $1.5 million)
- Movement of current age limitations
- Premiums adjusted to individuals selected insured amount
Importantly, members will still benefit from the discretionary refund of premiums after 20 years of membership a benefit one of our members recently received! These proposed changes are pending member vote, so keep an eye out for further details and voting information in the coming months. Additionally, at the next renewal period bulk billing arrangements should be in place.
Preparing for Negotiations: 2025 Roadmap
2025 is here and it’s now time to start gearing up for negotiations! After the meeting, the council developed a roadmap for negotiations, outlining key milestones and how members can get involved. A separate brief on this roadmap will be distributed, detailing how members can participate and provide input. It’s crucial for everyone to participate as your future depends on it!
The AFAP remains the largest union representing pilots in Australia, with the highest membership density being across the QantasLink subsidiaries. The Pilot Councils of Sunstate, Eastern and Network all have membership density either just above or just below 90%.
As we head into these negotiations it will be imperative to achieve those levels of membership to ensure that we maximise our chances at securing an EA that rights the wrongs of our last EA forced through under threat and intimidation.
As always your Council 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 also has their Member Assistance Program (MAP) which can be accessed via Freecall 1300 307 912