The AFAP Negotiating Team met with Jetstar representatives over one and a half days this week to continue bargaining discussions for a new EA.
Attending on behalf of the AFAP were JPF pilot representatives Chris Gibson, Dom Corcoran, Daniel Blakemore, Ben Bollen, Paul Hogan and Jake Gainger, along with AFAP Senior Industrial/Legal staff Deanna Cain, Patrick Larkins and Andrew Molnar. Ed Nell, TWU Industrial Officer, was also in attendance, noting the TWU’s full alignment with the AFAP’s claims.
Attending for Jetstar were Michael Porch (Senior Manager Flying Operations), Leah Everton (Senior Manager Operational Insights & Strategy) and Tim Faulkner (Employee Relations Manager - Flying Operations). Tyrone Simes (Chief Pilot and Head of Flying Operations) was also present for some of the discussions.
Company Costings of their Claims
The first day of meetings was dedicated to Jetstar presenting the costings associated with its Log of Claims, which were all based on current and projected growth through to FY29 including indexing.
The AFAP asked a number of questions in relation to these costings to ensure we fully understood the methodology and calculations underpinning each claim. While there was broad alignment on the overall approach used by Jetstar to cost its claims, there were some differences between the parties regarding several of the underlying assumptions.
The AFAP provided constructive feedback on these variances, outlining where and why we believed additional value could be attributed or extracted. In response, the Company has committed to reviewing several aspects of its costings.
Costings are an important part of the process to understand the value the Company places on its claims. However, as they are based on assumptions, they are not a perfect science and as such, we do not bargain by spreadsheet.
AFAP Lifestyle Purchase (LSP) proposal (Previous Leave Purchase)
Following initial feedback from Jetstar regarding the AFAP’s Leave Purchase Proposal, originally designed to increase part-time availability, the AFAP has revised and renamed the proposal to Lifestyle Purchase (LSP).
Jetstar has indicated a willingness to explore increased part-time options but has suggested this would likely require replacing the current Voluntary Flexi Line (VFL) and Job Share appendix with more traditional part-time structures (e.g. PT50/PT75). In response, the AFAP has developed the LSP as a simplified and more compatible alternative.
The AFAP’s objective with the Lifestyle Purchase proposal is to provide a streamlined part-time system that:
- Avoids the complexity of varying EFA thresholds and entitlements,
- Aligns with Jetstar payroll systems,
- Integrates seamlessly with current annual leave processes.
Under our LSP proposal pilots can elect to purchase additional days off each month for a fixed period (12 or 24 months) or on a permanent basis (i.e. permanent part-time). The proposed options are:
- LS9 – PT54% (Purchase 9 days off/month)
- LS5 – PT74% (Purchase 5 days off/month)
- LS3 – PT85% (Purchase 3 days off/month)
Each purchased day would be costed at a divisor of the pilot's current base salary to calculate the appropriate daily rate. For all other purposes, the LS pilot is considered a full-time employee, with the EFA threshold remaining at 75 hours (with each purchased day attracting EFA credits) and annual Leave Entitlements remaining at 6 weeks. The pilot funds the associated annual leave cost within the purchase rate.
The AFAP supports the Lifestyle Purchase system as a straightforward and flexible solution suitable for applicable to pilots seeking part-time for lifestyle flexibility and those transitioning toward retirement.
Jetstar has undertaken to further consider the LSP proposal as a viable mechanism to expand part-time availability and address work-life balance concerns within the pilot group.
Jetstar response to AFAP claims
Day 2 of the meetings focused on reviewing Section 6 of the AFAP Log of Claims, namely the clarification of existing clauses within the EA. Many of these items represent longstanding administrative issues or housekeeping matters aimed at improving the clarity and practical application of existing EA provisions.
Jetstar indicated its in-principle support for a number of these claims, particularly where the proposed clarifications reflect current practice. These clauses will be formalised during the EA drafting process.
There were also productive discussions regarding several other clarification items for which Jetstar was not yet in a position to provide immediate support. In these cases, Jetstar has committed to further consideration and to consulting with the relevant internal departments (e.g. Crewing and Payroll) to assess how current systems and operational practices align with the proposed clarifications, and whether these can be incorporated into a revised EA.
The AFAP will continue to pursue these items throughout the bargaining process with the shared goal of delivering clearer, more functional EA provisions for all parties.
Upcoming Meeting
The next bargaining sessions with Jetstar are scheduled for the week commencing 23rd June. We anticipate that Jetstar will provide updated costings along with a more considered response to the key claims put forward by the AFAP.
We will continue to keep you informed of developments.
If you have any questions, your pilot representatives and AFAP industrial officers Deanna Cain, Pat Larkins or Andrew Molnar are available to assist via email jetstar@afap.org.au or call (03) 9928 5737.
Regards,
AFAP Jetstar Negotiating Team
Chris Gibson, Dominic Corcoran, Daniel Blakemore, Ben Bollen, Jake Gainger and Paul Hogan