AFAP Update - CASA Consultations
CASA Consultation Updates
The AFAP writes to you to ensure all Flight Operations Inspectors are aware of the current consultation matters occurring in CASA.
There are various policies, position descriptions and other matters all occurring but it is important these consultation discussions are beginning to move into critical and important areas to the CASA Flight Operations.
The AFAP encourage all members to review relative information and provide feedback to the AFAP, and copies of any feedback you provide directly to CASA (either via emails or the CASA consultation hubs).
The AFAP and other CASA unions, continue to have concerns about the quality of CASA consultation processes (please monitor and report back any concerns).
CASA Technical Position Description Reviews
The AFAP share the CASA consultation guidance located in CASA Consultation Guidance (noting that consultation is required in accordance with the “Civil Aviation Safety Authority Enterprise Agreement 2023-2026” (EA), these agreed EA terms are legal undertakings by CASA.
The following Flight Operations Position Description (PD) draft document would have been sent out for discussion to the relative work groups.
*Further PDs for other FO roles are expected to be provided in the near future.
*Other Technical PDs (outside of FO roles) are currently being consulted.
The AFAP note the purpose of the PDs, goes beyond the information provided in this CASA PD information, due to,
1. Position Description provides an outline of work that will relate to a Work Level Standard, and
2. Work levels in CASA will determine the appropriate classification (and thereby remuneration), and
3. Therefore, is relative to classification (including attain point progression) and workplace rights in accordance with the CASA EA.
As per your CASA EA it provides the definition as follows.
- Work level standards describe work value and the essential characteristics of work to be performed at each CASA classification level. They are a statement of the broad job requirements, key duties and responsibilities, the knowledge and skill required of the role.
As per the CASA EA, it was agreed to be a process to review the Work Level Standard (see clause 77.2 of the CASA EA below).
What we are seeking is an improved clarification and understanding regarding the movement between work levels, and also the barriers by CASA developing sound structure on the work level standards. The PD review prior to the work level is a bit of a chicken and egg debate, but it is important we remain mindful of the pending review and impact on new PDs.
- 77.2. Work level standard review for the ASR2, ASR3, FO2 and FO3 classifications.
- 77.2.1. CASA, in consultation with the TCC, will commence a review of the work level standards for the ASR2, ASR3, FO2 and FO3 classifications within 12 months of the date of commencement of this Agreement.
- 77.2.2. The purpose of the review is to ensure that the work value differences for the ASR2, ASR3, FO2 and FO3 classifications are clearly defined and clarify the career progression pathways for employees in the ASR and FO classifications.
It is also important to note within the EA clause 93.1 the following classification explanation is provided (i.e. the reference above as FO).
- Flight Training Examiners (FTEs) and Flying Operations Inspectors (FOIs) will be re-classified into a single classification known as Flying Operations (FOs).
Therefore, the PDs (and revised Work Level Standards for FO2 & FO3) for the different roles will be relating to the same classification.
CASA have made comment that no changes will disadvantage any existing employee, however future employees (or future promotional opportunities) should not be negatively impacted by any of these changes.
Consultation on Flying Qualifications and Training Handbook
As per the EA clause 88 referred to below, AFAP members employed at CASA have rights regarding currency and training, which are also guided by the Flying Qualifications and Training Handbook (FQTH).
A summary has been provided to the AFAP – see CASA FQTH changes summary document here.
The AFAP raised the following feedback (in summary).
- Whether reported concerns on FO training are sought to be addressed with these changes (whether those issues are current or historic etc.).
- Improved explanation to the documented changes (including requested meetings on the changes).
- Emails to union contacts referred to changes to align to operational needs and organisational structural changes (we are seeking more information, as the dot point above).
- The AFAP has sought feedback on the CASA Training Budget information related to this policy (focusing on technical and flight operations training), including impact of travel or other costs to this budget.
- Whether CASA has approved or identified differences in FO training relative ICAO guidance.
- The EA has a currency guarantee, so we are seeking this is appropriately explained in the document.
- The AFAP are seeking processes to resolve concerns about training, internal mechanisms whether formal and/or informal.
- The AFAP has sought improved communication about workplace rights (i.e. dealing with issues/disputes) and no employee should be misled about these mechanisms in all CASA policy documents.
- Confirmation and clarification regarding the supporting mechanisms (approval committees, disputes, review processes) since the last FQTM policy/manual.
CASA has agreed to meet with the relevant technical unions regarding this policy consultation, and we are currently awaiting an out of session meeting from the Technical Consultative Committee to be confirmed.
CASA Technical Workforce Development & Staffing
All CASA roads are heading to the CASA Workforce Management Strategies and as per clause 77.1.1 of the CASA EA, Workforce Planning, CASA has made the following undertaking.
- CASA recognises the need to ensure it has the required workforce to meet statutory obligations under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, ICAO standards and government expectations.
CASA Feedback on PDs & the FQTH
The repeating theme in this update is there is an important relationship to the PDs, Work Level Standards, currency & training and workforce development to overall support CASA objectives as the aviation regulator.
All of the above matters benefit from ongoing input and influence by employees within the CASA Flight Operations classifications.
- If you have feedback you are providing via the CASA Consultation hubs, please provide the AFAP a copy.
- If you have feedback, you would like the AFAP to raise on your behalf please contact us on the email below.
For feedback and queries please contact AFAP Senior Industrial Officer Jason Newell jason@afap.org.au by email or by phone on (03) 9928 5737.