Qantas

Perth Hotel Dispute

The standard of the crew hotel in Perth continues to be a matter of serious concern. Through the AFAP’s consistent advocacy, Virgin has acknowledged the high volume of reports from pilots detailing ongoing issues with noise from doors and elevators, as well as the general state of the rooms.

In response, the Company has advised it is meeting with the hotel on a fortnightly basis and that the hotel has committed to a schedule of improvements. These works include replacing air-conditioning panels, chairs, and phones, as well as installing seals on doors and windows.

However, given the inadequate nature of the Company’s response relative to the extensive reports received from pilots, the AFAP has formally raised a dispute under the Dispute Resolution Procedure (DRP) of the EA. We have clearly advised that the hotel does not meet the required standard and that crew should be relocated to alternative accommodation immediately.

Following our recent meeting with Virgin management, we received the Company’s formal response to our dispute. Virgin maintains that the current hotel meets the standard required under the EA. They noted the hotel is trialling double glazing of guest room windows to reduce noise and that acoustic testing will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of these measures, though the date of testing remains unspecified.

In our view, this is a de facto admission that the hotel does not currently meet the EA standard. If acoustic testing is required, and no date is confirmed, the Company should relocate crew immediately and reassess the hotel after rectification works are complete.

We also highlighted that these proposed fixes do not address broader issues with the hotel’s condition and amenities. Our position remains that Virgin should identify a permanent alternative hotel that already meets the required accommodation standards, without needing extensive refurbishment. While not ideal, we have also reminded Virgin that the EA allows for pilot-only accommodation if room availability at suitable hotels is an issue.

The AFAP has now escalated this dispute to the Chief Pilot. This is the final stage of the DRP before we may apply to the Fair Work Commission (FWC). Virgin has seven days to respond.

In the meantime, we urge all pilots to continue reporting hotel issues. Please include photos or videos where possible, and ensure all crew members report—not just one person. The AFAP is collating these reports as part of our evidence should proceedings move to the FWC.

Additionally, if your rest is impacted, please submit both a Fatigue Report (including Samn-Perelli) and a MyCrew Care report. A reminder that the use of controlled rest also requires a Fatigue report. Without data in the FRMS, Virgin can deflect responsibility for fatigue concerns stemming from poor accommodation.

We will provide further updates as the dispute progresses.

HOTAC

The next 12 months will see a busy time with a multitude of hotels coming up for routine contract renewal. This will involve a significant workload for our HOTAC representatives, who will be conducting hotel inspections across several ports including Sydney (airport and city), Perth, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart and Gold Coast hotel. Bali is currently undergoing inspections.

These reviews are a crucial part of ensuring that accommodation meets the standards required under the EA.

Nadi Hotel

Historically, Virgin Group Security has conducted security assessments of international layover hotels, ranking options based on safety considerations. As part of its evolving approach, Virgin has now advised that it is also reviewing local crime statistics within hotel areas to better inform decision-making, particularly in light of not wishing to restrict crew movement.

The AFAP has consistently lobbied Virgin to reconsider its previous assessment of Denarau as unsuitable, which was based on concerns around the single road in and out of the area. Virgin has now acknowledged that infrastructure improvements have been made, including the enhancement of the existing road and the addition of a second bridge.

As communicated by the Chief Pilot on 26 March, Virgin’s review concluded that the Tanoa International Hotel Fiji continues to present a low security risk, and therefore there is no requirement to relocate on safety or security grounds alone.

However, following extensive feedback from crew, HSRs, and unions, Virgin has now confirmed it will undertake a new hotel tender, and importantly, this process will no longer exclude Denarau hotels from consideration.

The AFAP has also reiterated to Virgin that where current hotels offer limited nearby amenities, the Company must consider the likely movement of crew to access essential services, highlighting the importance of broader location suitability beyond just immediate hotel amenities.

We will keep members updated as the tender process progresses.

Regards

AFAP AIC Representatives
First Officer Steve Hungerford – Chair
Captain Brad Wilson – Vice-Chair
Captain Mark Bannister – HOTAC