Express Freighters Australia Update
It has been approximately one year since the enterprise agreement currently covering pilots at Express Freighters Australia (EFA) came into effect. The negotiation of this agreement was an extremely frustrating and largely disappointing experience. Similar to the approach taken at other Qantas owned operations, during negotiations at EFA, Qantas IR:
- refused to financially recognise the introduction and transition to new and more efficient aircraft;
- enforced a two-year wage freeze as per Qantas Wages Policy; and
- stated that should the final offer be voted down, the sizeable backpay which had accrued to many EFA pilots would not be guaranteed in any future offers.
In short, Qantas IR took full advantage of the opportunities presented by the Covid pandemic.
Since that time and as the demand for qualified and experienced pilots grows, the AFAP EFA pilot representatives have approached EFA with a view to reopening negotiations towards a more balanced agreement or other arrangements during its current life. At this stage we have not formally heard back.
The current EFA Pilots’ Agreement expires at the end of next year (31 December 2024).
In preparation for this and to address the various ongoing issues at EFA we are keen to form a new AFAP EFA Pilot Sub-Council (EFA Pilot Sub-Council).
The role of the EFA Pilot Sub-Council is to raise workplace issues or areas of concern with the company. These issues will be discussed with EFA management with a view to finding balanced and workable solutions. We will seek to meet with the company and communicate back to members on a regular basis. The other purpose of a functioning EFA Pilot Sub-Council is to be fully prepared for the next round of negotiations. This would minimise the opportunity for Qantas IR to again rely on the threat of removing backpay as a means of getting a sub-standard agreement voted up.
At this stage Liam Bottomley and Susha Semenikow have advised of their intention to become involved in the EFA Pilot Sub-Council. We would however like a couple more EFA pilots to volunteer to be involved.
If you are interested in joining Liam and Susha in the formation of the EFA Pilot Sub-Council please contact Liam or Susha directly or Simon Lutton at the AFAP on (03) 9928 5737 or email simon@afap.org.au.
Yours sincerely
Liam Bottomley
liambottomley@qantas.com.au
Susha Semenikow
sushasem@hotmail.com