A320 Fleet Announcement
The AFAP write following the devastating news that the A320 fleet will be exited from the VARA business. We understand many questions will have arisen and the AFAP will, along with SALPA and the TWU representatives, work to mitigate the impact of this announcement and to provide certainty for A320 pilots.
The AFAP position is that for VARA to avoid redundancy payments under the EA an A320 pilot needs to be offered a position with equivalent or greater remuneration and in rank and base.
By way of background, the AFAP wrote to VARA a fortnight ago raising concerns around the future of the A320 fleet, and that we were seeking certainty in the EA as to the future for A320 pilots.
Following the announcement the approach will remain the same. The AFAP in conjunction with SALPA and the TWU will focus on negotiating terms in a new EA that mitigate the impact of the fleet exit as far as possible for A320 pilots.
We have developed a series of initial topics with SALPA and the TWU and we will be discussing next week when we meet with VARA. We encourage members with concerns or other suggestions to contact us on the details below.
B737 Positions
As many VARA pilots will be aware, the resource plan released recently at Virgin for the B737 forecast 4 Captain and 12 First Officer positions across the whole operation for the next 12 months. These positions are a forecast of requirements and subject to change and are not broken down by base.
We have raised with Virgin whether any revision will be made to these numbers when factoring in the A320 flying forecast to return to the B737. This will form part of our discussion next week.
We will also be discussing the process for A320 pilots accessing B737 positions and further information will be provided following these discussions.
Members Assistance Program (MAP)
During this difficult time the AFAP want members to be aware we have support available.
The AFAP’s Member Assistance Program (MAP) is an independent, short-term counselling and advisory service which is available free for members and their immediate families. Even if you feel you are coping but may need help if additional stressors are introduced, you should reach out. Taking a proactive approach to coping mechanisms is the best way to combat against unforeseen mental health issues.
Call
1300 307 912 to speak to a qualified psychologist, for any personal or work-related problems. Depending on your location, these confidential sessions can be conducted in person or by phone.
Questions
We will continue to keep members informed as the consultation process progresses.
AFAP pilot representative Paul Alexander is on hand if you have any questions regarding the above. Alternatively, you can contact AFAP Senior industrial/ Legal Officer Pat Larkins by email at
patrick@afap.org.au or by calling (03) 9928 5737.
Regards,
Paul Alexander – AFAP VARA Pilot Representative
Pat Larkins – Senior Legal/ Industrial Officer