Qantas

Reminder - AFAP EA Survey

The AFAP Jetstar EA survey has been live for just over two days and the response so far has been fantastic, with over 300 members completing the survey.

We strongly encourage all AFAP members to complete the survey, as the feedback gathered will directly inform the JPF’s log of claims and provide clear direction on the key improvements we should pursue in negotiations.

If you haven’t completed the survey, it can be completed using the link below:

https://afap.questionpro.com/JetstarEASurvey

We encourage you to provide as much detail as possible in the open-text questions. All individual responses will be kept strictly confidential.

In the interests of gathering data from as many Jetstar pilots as possible we have created an identical copy of the survey which AIPA and the TWU can release to its members, ensuring we capture the sentiments of the broader Jetstar pilot group. This data would be captured separately to the data from AFAP which we could then cross reference and leverage, with view to aligning our claims where possible.

We believe a collaborative approach to bargaining will best serve Jetstar pilots and are hopeful that both AIPA and the TWU will recognise the value of this initiative and be willing to distribute the survey to their respective members.

The AFAP as Professional Negotiators

As we approach EA negotiations with Jetstar, the JPF believes it is important to address a common misconception that frequently arises among the pilot group—the role and effectiveness of ‘Professional Negotiators’ in securing the best possible outcome for pilots.

To ensure a strong and successful negotiation process, it is critical that the individuals representing pilots possess a comprehensive skill set tailored to the complexities of industrial relations within the aviation industry. The ideal attributes of a person or team negotiating a pilot EA should encompass most, if not all, of the following:

1. Deep Understanding of Pilot Conditions and the Aviation Industry

• A negotiator should have firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges pilots face, including rostering, fatigue management, pay structures, and industry benchmarks.
• This understanding ensures that negotiations focus on what truly matters to pilots rather than generic bargaining points.

2. Strong Industry and Contractual Knowledge

• Expertise in aviation agreements, industrial relations, and the relevant legislative framework is crucial.
• A deep knowledge of previous agreements, industry standards, and competitor benchmarks allows for informed and strategic negotiations and provides valuable context and leverage in bargaining.

3. Proven Negotiation Skills and Dispute Resolution

• The ability to navigate complex contractual discussions and manage disputes is essential to securing favourable terms and avoiding unnecessary delays.
• This includes experience in handling high-pressure situations, compromise, and knowing when to push for non-negotiable terms.

4. Experience in Pilot Enterprise Agreements

• EA negotiations in the aviation industry are highly specialised, requiring experience with past pilot agreements and an understanding of how various clauses impact pilot working conditions.
• Prior involvement in enterprise agreement negotiations, particularly within the aviation sector, ensures that negotiators bring practical knowledge and a tested approach to the bargaining table.

5. A Thorough Working Knowledge of the 2019 Jetstar Agreement, Including Its Deficiencies

• Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current EA allows negotiators to refine and improve contract terms in alignment with pilot needs.

6. Experience with Various Negotiation Strategies

• Skilled negotiators must be capable of employing different tactics to achieve desired outcomes, adapting strategies based on the company’s approach.

7. Credibility and Representation of Pilot Interests

• The negotiating team must be trusted by the pilot group, ensuring that pilots feel their concerns and priorities are genuinely represented.
• Pilots negotiating on behalf of their colleagues bring direct insight and credibility, fostering unity and confidence in the process.

8. Ability to Work Collaboratively

• A strong negotiator should work effectively within a team, drawing on the expertise of legal professionals, industrial relations specialists, and pilot representatives.
• They should be able to communicate clearly with all stakeholders, ensuring a cohesive strategy.

9. Legal and Industrial Relations Support

• While pilot representatives bring firsthand experience, access to legal and industrial relations specialists ensures that the agreement is legally sound and enforceable.
• This combination of practical experience and legal expertise leads to the best possible outcome.

10. Familiarity with Legal Avenues to Break Deadlocks in Protracted Negotiations

• When negotiations stall, knowledge of alternative legal mechanisms can help apply pressure and drive resolutions.

Should ‘Professional Negotiators’ Be Engaged?

One common misconception is that hiring external “professional negotiators” guarantees a better deal. While such individuals may have general bargaining skills, they often lack the aviation-specific knowledge and firsthand pilot experience necessary to effectively negotiate a pilot EA. A successful negotiating team is typically composed of:

• Experienced pilot representatives who understand operational realities and pilot priorities
• Industrial relations specialists to provide legal and technical support.
• A strategic approach that balances expertise with unity and a strong mandate from the pilot group.

Ultimately, the best negotiators are those who understand the industry, have the trust of the pilot group, and can skillfully engage with airline management to achieve the best possible EA outcome.

So where would we find such people?

On our team and directly involved in this EA negotiation, we have Senior AFAP Legal and Industrial staff, including Deanna Cain, Patrick Larkins, and Andrew Molnar. They each possess a thorough understanding of the current Jetstar EA, the issues impacting Jetstar pilots, and, importantly, years of experience negotiating pilot EAs. Additionally, they have a deep understanding of the FW Act and regularly attend the FWC for matters related to various pilot agreements, including the current Jetstar EA.

Deanna, Pat, and Andrew were all directly involved in the last 2019 Jetstar EA negotiation, with Andrew also being directly involved in the 2015 Jetstar EA. Deanna and Pat have also played key roles in all Virgin Group (Short-haul, Long-haul, and Regional) EAs since 2005, as well as the recently endorsed Qantas Short Haul EA and the ongoing Qantas Long Haul EA negotiations. Collectively, the three industrial staff members assigned to Jetstar bring over 40 years of experience in industrial relations and pilot EA negotiations.

The AFAP benefits from a wealth of experience within its broader team, drawing on other industrial and legal staff who have negotiated pilot EAs across the Qantas Group (Qantas Short Haul, Qantas Long Haul, Eastern, Sunstate, Network, Cobham, and EFA), as well as Rex, Alliance, and other smaller operators.

While a negotiated outcome is the preferred solution, the AFAP has extensive experience in breaking deadlocks when negotiations become stalled. Part of our role is to educate pilots that when negotiations fail, it falls to the pilot body to stand united behind its pilot representatives and apply pressure through the legal avenues available under the Fair Work Act.

The AFAP Negotiation Model

The AFAP employs a proven negotiation model in which pilot representatives, who work under the EA being negotiated, collaborate with experienced union staff. This approach is consistent with models used by USALPA and recommended by IFALPA. It has been demonstrated repeatedly as one of the most effective strategies for achieving the best outcomes for pilots.

If you’re seeking a team of highly educated, experienced, and knowledgeable professionals who are informed on pilot Enterprise Agreements and negotiation strategies, the AFAP has 10 long serving industrial/legal staff with this skillset. No other union or organisation in Australia offers the same depth of expertise when it comes to understanding and negotiating pilot agreements.

The AFAP is involved in the successful negotiation and/or enforcement of over 50 pilot EAs. Its industry expertise and aviation knowledge far surpass anything else available in Australia. Engaging an external lawyer from a law firm, who would have only comparatively limited aviation industry knowledge, could not replicate this level of specialised experience.

Below we have outlined bios of the three staff members working directly on the Jetstar EA, as well as Geoff Borenstein (Slater and Gordon), who will assist the AFAP Bargaining Team when required. For further details on the other industrial and legal officers working for the AFAP, please visit the AFAP website. Additionally, we have included the bios of the JPF EA pilot representatives, who have been unanimously endorsed by the JPF committee.

Legal and Industrial Staff

Deanna Cain- Senior Industrial Officer

BA/LLB

Deanna commenced her professional career at the Australian Industry Group (AIG), a leading national employer industrial organisation, before taking up a position as Industrial Officer with the AFAP in 2005.

Deanna has exceptional negotiating skills and detailed industry knowledge. She was a lead negotiator in the 2019 Jetstar EA negotiations and has demonstrated her skills and expertise in the successful negotiation of the 2007, 2013, 2018, 2020 and 2024 Virgin Short Haul Agreements, as well as the inaugural 2011 and 2017 Virgin Long Haul Agreement. Deanna has also been directly involved in negotiating Agreements at VARA, Tigerair, Rex and RFDS. Her legal training, interpersonal skills, industry knowledge and negotiating experience ensures that the pilot representatives she works with are well placed to protect and improve the working conditions of members.

Patrick Larkins – Senior Legal/Industrial Officer

BA/LLB

Patrick Larkins is a Senior Legal and Industrial Officer with extensive experience in both legal practice and industrial negotiations. After completing his articles and practicing as a lawyer with the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) in Victoria, Patrick represented ETU members in a wide range of employment law matters before the Fair Work Commission and the Federal Court. His legal expertise also extends to bargaining, where he played a pivotal role as the lead legal representative for the Victorian Desalination Plant Project Agreement negotiations.

Following a period of working overseas, Patrick joined the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) in 2013. He has since contributed to the 2018, 2020, and 2024 Virgin Short Haul Agreements, the 2017 Virgin Long Haul Agreement, and more recently, the ongoing Qantas Short Haul and Long Haul negotiations. Patrick has also been directly involved in negotiating agreements with VARA, Tigerair, and Eastern.

Patrick’s unique approach combines his legal acumen with his extensive experience in industrial negotiations across aviation and other industries, offering invaluable expertise to Jetstar pilots.

Andrew Molnar- Legal Counsel

LLB (Hons), LLM

Prior to joining the Federation in 2011, Andrew worked for a variety of respected Melbourne law firms, practicing in the area of industrial relations and insolvency.

Andrew provides strategic legal and industrial advice to pilot members across all sectors of the industry. He provides practical legal assistance and has conducted litigation on behalf of AFAP members in the High Court, Federal Court, the Federal Circuit Court and the Fair Work Commission. These matters include contract disputes, breaches of the Air Pilots Award, disputes under enterprise agreements, general protections, equal opportunity and unfair dismissals. Andrew also negotiates collective agreements across a number of aviation companies, including Jetstar.

Geoff Borenstein (Slater + Gordon Lawyers)

Senior Practice Leader, Industrial and Employment

Geoff leads the Victorian industrial and employment law department at Slater and Gordon. He has practiced law for more than 20 years and also worked inside the Electrical Trades Union for 15 years. As a result, he is familiar with all of the challenges that unions and their members face.

Geoff is proud to share his experience, knowledge, accessibility and commitment with his clients and most importantly, ensure they know he genuinely cares about them and their situation.

Geoff has extensive experience across all aspects of employment and industrial law and has extensive experience in bargaining. Geoff will provide specialist legal advice to the AFAP team on the strategic use of all the tools available under the Fair Work Act.

Jetstar Pilot Federation (JPF) EA Team

Chris Gibson - PER A320/1 CPT (JPF Chairman)

Chris brings over 15 years of experience as a pilot union representative across AFAP and AIPA.

Since joining Jetstar in 2008, Chris has been based in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth on the A320. His extensive involvement in industrial negotiations includes serving as an AIPA subcommittee member (2010-2011) and a AFAP JPF committee member since 2011.

As a pilot negotiator in the 2015 and 2019 EA negotiations, Chris played a key role in securing important improvements, including the introduction of Carer’s Flexi Line and Full-Time Carer’s Line, enhancements to ACALS, and contributing to the successful outcomes of the 2015 and 2019 Enterprise Agreements.

With a strong commitment to advocating for pilots, Chris brings strategic expertise, negotiation experience, and a deep understanding of industrial agreements to his role. We look forward to his leadership in ensuring the best outcomes for our members.

Dominic Corcoran - SYD B787 CPT (JPF Vice-Chair)

Dom brings 7 years of experience as a pilot union representative and a wealth of knowledge in aviation and industrial relations. Starting his career at Impulse Airlines in 2000, Dom transitioned to the B717 in Brisbane in 2003, then moved to the A320 in 2005, based in Christchurch and Sydney. In 2013, Dom was assigned to the B787, with postings in Cairns, Melbourne, and currently Sydney.

Dom has played a key role in the 2019 EA negotiations, initially as an AIPA negotiator (pre-COVID) and later as an AFAP negotiator (post-COVID). He served as an AIPA subcommittee delegate from 2018 to 2020 and has been an active member of the AFAP JPF committee, currently holding the position of Vice-Chair.

With his extensive experience and strong commitment to advocating for pilots, Dom continues to lead negotiations and initiatives aimed at improving working conditions and securing favourable outcomes for Jetstar pilots.

Daniel Blakemore - MEL A320/1 CPT (JPF Secretary)

Dan brings 8 years of experience as a dedicated pilot union representative with the AFAP and is a strong advocate for improving pilots' working conditions. Currently, Dan serves as the Secretary of the Jetstar Pilot Federation (JPF) and represents Jetstar Melbourne as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR).

Dan has played a key role in the 2019 (pre and post Covid) EA negotiations as an AFAP pilot negotiator and has a strong understanding of the industry’s challenges and needs. His background includes previous work in Jetstar Head Office with Fleet Safety, where he participated in the Flight Data Management Working Group (FDMWG) and the Flight Operations Fatigue Management Working Group (FOFMWG).

Additionally, Dan was a Pilot Representative at Network Aviation (QF Group) in the Fatigue Safety Action Group (FSAG) and is trained in QRAG, FRMS, and FDM, making him well-equipped to address safety, fatigue, and operational issues.

With his comprehensive experience in both union representation and safety, Dan continues to play a vital role in ensuring pilots' voices are heard and their interests are safeguarded.

Paul Hogan - BNE A320/1 CCB

Paul brings over 15 years of experience as a dedicated pilot union representative across both AFAP and AIPA, with a strong focus on improving pilots' working conditions and safety standards.

Paul served as an AFAP pilot negotiator for both the 2015 and 2019 EAs (pre-COVID) and has been a key figure in negotiations that resulted in significant milestones, including the removal of Group Contracts in 2011, which undermined the Enterprise Agreement and led to the introduction of the Flexi-Line Agreement. Additionally, Paul played a crucial role in the successful negotiations of the 2015 and 2019 (pre-Covid) Enterprise Agreements.

His extensive experience includes over 12 years of involvement in various roles with the Pilot Consultative Committee (PCC) and the Jetstar Pilot Committee (JPC), where he has served as Chairman, Vice-Chair, and represented the pilots as part of the Flight Data Management Working Group (FDMWG).

Currently, Paul is a member of the AFAP JPF committee, where he continues to advocate for pilots’ interests and ensure their voice is heard in key negotiations and decision-making processes.

Jake Gainger - SYD B787 FO

Jake has been with Jetstar since 2019, starting his career as an A320/1 First Officer based in Sydney, Cairns, and Adelaide, before transitioning to his current role as a B787 First Officer based in Sydney.

Since 2024, Jake has been an active member of the AFAP JPF committee and currently serves as the Convention representative for the JPF. With his experience and strong commitment to advocating for pilots' rights and working conditions, Jake plays a key role in ensuring that the voices of pilots are heard and represented by the AFAP.

Ben Bollen - PER A320/1 CPT (AFAP President)

Ben has 15 years of experience as a pilot union representative with the AFAP and has played an instrumental role in several key negotiations and improvements for Jetstar pilots. Since joining Jetstar in 2006, Ben has been based in Hobart, Melbourne, and Perth, primarily operating the A320.

Ben has been a member of the AFAP JPF committee since 2010, serving as both Chairman (2019-2022) and Vice Chairman (2011-2019) before transitioning to his current role as an AFAP JPF committee member. He was also a negotiator for the 2015 and 2019 EAs, leading to significant milestones, including the removal of Group Contracts in 2011, the introduction of the Flexi-Line agreement, and key improvements to pilot working conditions such as the Carer’s Flexi Line, Full-Time Carer’s Line, and ACALS.

In addition to his role as a negotiator, Ben has held leadership positions within the AFAP, including Vice President (2012-2024), and now serves as the AFAP President (since 2024), leading the organisation in advocating for the rights and welfare of pilots.

The JPF is committed to ensuring that our EA negotiation team possesses the necessary skills, experience, and industry knowledge to achieve the best possible outcome for Jetstar pilots. By balancing aviation-specific insights with legal and industrial expertise, we aim to secure an agreement that protects and advances the interests of all pilots within the Jetstar network.

If you have any questions, your pilot representatives are available to assist. Alternatively, you can contact your AFAP industrial officers Deanna Cain, Pat Larkins or Andrew Molnar via email deanna@afap.org.au, patrick@afap.org.au, or andrew@afap.org.au or call (03) 9928 5737.

Regards,

AFAP Jetstar Pilot Federation Committee
Andrew Ward, Ben Bollen, Chris Gibson, Christo Hailes, Clinton Baxter, Daniel Blakemore, Darren Fielder, Darren Davis, Dominic Corcoran, Ed Greenidge, Jake Gainger, Jordan Moras, Paul Hogan and Raj Krishnan