Yesterday we advised you of the PIA ballot result at EFA.
We also advised you that: “Later this week your pilot reps will meet to consider which actions would be appropriate to commence and when.” We have not yet had this meeting or determined what actions (if any) we will provide notice of, and when. The unions and pilot reps are planning on meeting to discuss this tomorrow.
Today we were surprised to learn that pilots with management duties at EFA have been written to and asked what their intentions are regarding taking PIA.
Our advice to any EFA pilots with management duties (or any pilot for that matter) who have been asked by the company about their intentions regarding PIA is to respond along the following lines:
“Especially in circumstances where no PIA has been notified it is not possible or appropriate to respond to your enquiries.”
You may also wish to note that down the track when PIA is notified, if similar questions are asked, it would be understandable for a pilot to advise that they had not yet made a final decision about whether they would engage in the particular action.
Taking protected industrial action is a workplace right and it is perfectly legitimate for an employee to make their final decision about whether or not to participate in any particular action at any time prior to the actual commencement of the action.
You should also note that it is unlawful for EFA to take any adverse action against a pilot (manager or not) because they decided to take part in PIA or not take part in PIA.
We will provide further updates as things develop.
As previously advised, our primary goal is in achieving a fair and reasonable agreement.
If you have any questions on the above, please contact us directly or Simon Lutton at the AFAP on (03) 9928 5737 or email
simon@afap.org.au.
Yours sincerely
Susha Semenikow and Dean McMahon
AFAP EFA Pilot Representatives