Arbitration Update - 24th June
Yesterday marked what we hope will be the final hearing in the IB process. The Commission convened the hearing to examine how a recent Federal Court ruling, which confirmed that reserve and standby count toward the 38-hour working week, affects the proposed agreement.
At the hearing, the Commission reviewed submissions from both the company and the unions, including a statement submitted by the company late on Thursday 19th June. A final submission timeline has now been set: the AFAP has until 30th June to respond to the company’s late submission, after which the company will have an opportunity to reply by 7th of July.
While the Commission has reserved its judgment, it noted that a decision was close to being finalised as early as April, just as the Federal Full Bench decision regarding reserve/standby was handed down. Given this, we remain cautiously optimistic that a determination will be handed down sooner rather than later.
In response to the company’s recent email to members, we want to provide some important clarification. The AFAP’s submissions directly challenge the assertion that the proposed determination “comfortably passes” the BOOT. Our case, built on verified rosters and real-world duty patterns, demonstrates that the company’s model underrepresents the work performed by many pilots, particularly those with high reserve and high duty combinations. The company is also seeking to remove important protections, such as the agreed opt in clause for airport standby. These are not minor matters, they go to the core of pilot protections and fairness.
While we share the desire to see this process resolved, our priority remains ensuring that the outcome is fair, grounded in reality, and aligned with the conditions our members work under every day. Compliance is not enough, equity and respect matter to.
We thank our members for their continued patience throughout this lengthy process. We know how frustrating delays can be, but we remain hopeful that the outcome will reflect the strong and principled position we’ve maintained on your behalf.
Thanks again for your continued support and patience.
AFAP Network Aviation Pilot Council
Stephen Maughan:
smaughan@iinet.net.au
Ben Walmsley:
ben.walms@gmail.com
Joshua Sheldon:
Josh.b.sheldon@gmail.com
Sasha Leavy:
sasha_leavy@hotmail.com
Matt Atkinson:
matkinson209@gmail.com
Eman Zimmerman:
mano01@hotmail.com
Mark Levitt:
ml.network.pilotcouncil@outlook.com
Geoffrey Aro:
flyingaro@gmail.com
In addition, the AFAP Senior Industrial Officer Chris Aikens is contactable on
chris@afap.org.au. The AFAP Member Assistance Program (MAP) can be contacted via Freecall 1300 307 912. The AFAP website also advises of other welfare services at
https://www.afap.org.au/membership/member-articles/welfare-services