Qantas Short Haul EA Update No 26
Qantas Provides Undertakings on Dispute Procedure
On Tuesday, 6 May, the AFAP formally agreed to Qantas’ undertaking regarding and subsequently the other bargaining representatives have also advised the FWC that they agreed to the undertaking. As this process is complete, we expect the Commission to approve the EA quickly, with the agreement commencing one week later.
The AFAP Legal staff are currently writing a detailed update, which we expect tomorrow, but the QPC wanted to provide this short update to keep you informed in the interim.
A Step Forward for Short Haul Pilots
This marks an important moment for Short Haul pilots, who will now benefit from improved conditions—including pay increases, a form of pattern credit guarantee, and DPC60. Throughout negotiations, the AFAP strongly advocated for a modern agreement that reflects fair remuneration, meaningful credit protections, and Duty Rig provisions.
While we believe the final agreement could have gone further in several areas, and we remain concerned about the medium- to long-term implications of some amendments, we are pleased it delivers progress on key elements drawn from extensive member feedback and surveys.
Understanding the FWC Approval Decision
The QPC has taken time to review the implications of the FWC’s decision, which can be read
here. While the outcome is mixed, it represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to defend and advance the rights and standards of Qantas pilots and the standards of our profession.
A Win for Collective Representation
In a critical outcome, the AFAP successfully secured the right to bring disputes in its own name—rather than only on behalf of individual members. This result enhances our collective voice and ability to act quickly and effectively on behalf of all members. It also protects members who may hesitate to raise issues individually, including those on probation or approaching a Command upgrade.
Qantas' undertaking means the AFAP can now run disputes while shielding member identities until outcomes are determined.
Running this argument was a crucial and vital step in safeguarding the rights of our members and strengthening the union’s ability to defend them in the future. The only way to secure this right was to pursue the argument in the FWC, as Qantas refused to accept our suggested undertaking throughout the process.
First Officer Training Pay
Unfortunately, the Commission accepted a technical argument from Qantas regarding First Officer training pay, referencing the 2008 Award Modernisation process. Despite our strong objections and the merits of our case, the Commission did not find in our favour, placing pilots in training under the Miscellaneous Award 2020 instead of the Air Pilots Award.
This change reduces minimum pay for licensed, professional pilots in training and strips away important entitlements such as rostering rules, indemnity protections, and loss-of-licence reimbursement. This decision may also impact pilots at other airlines who rely on the Air Pilots Award.
We are actively exploring options to address this—including a possible award variation application—
but want to assure members that this process will not delay the approval or implementation of EA9.
Qantas’ Role in Delaying the Approval Process
Qantas is responsible for the delay in the approval process by refusing to adopt our suggested undertaking. The AFAP has repeatedly requested that Qantas act in good faith by implementing the pay rises immediately and back-paying pilots for the delay.
This situation is particularly disappointing, given Qantas’ public statements about striving to improve engagement and relations with pilots. Senior management has acknowledged that there has been a significant erosion of trust with pilots, due in part to previous industrial tactics employed by the company. Despite this, Qantas’ actions have not aligned with their stated goals, and the AFAP will remain steadfast in ensuring that Qantas upholds their commitment to acting in good faith with pilots moving forward. We continue to seek back pay for lost remuneration and will keep our members updated accordingly.
Our Ongoing Commitment
The AFAP is committed to a long-term strategy for securing better conditions, not just short-term wins, to ensure our profession’s continued strength and sustainability.
Arguing legal matters is almost always uncertain, but the role of a Union is to defend the rights of its members using every tool available—including pursuing matters through the courts. You expect us to fight for what is right - and we will.
The AFAP will continue to take principled and strong action where necessary to protect and advance the interests of our members. We will not shy away from difficult or complex issues, even when outcomes are not guaranteed. This may mean that that not all cases will be won, but it sends a strong message that we will strongly represent and always stand up for both current and future Qantas pilots. Quiet inaction leads to gradual erosion of conditions; our members deserve better.
Thank you for your continued support. We are truly inspired by the solidarity expressed in the many emails and messages we’ve received from our members, expressing strong support for our work and for standing up to protect their rights. United, we will keep working to build a fairer, stronger industry for all pilots.
For further information or if you have any questions regarding SH negotiations, please contact your AFAP Qantas Pilot Council at
qpc@afap.org.au.
Regards,
AFAP Qantas Pilot Council
Michael Egan – Chair
Mark Gilmour – Vice- Chair
Daniel Kobeleff – Secretary
Michael Armessen – Committee Member
David LaPorte – Committee Member
Josh Chalmers – Committee Member
Rob Close – Committee Member