Qantas

NJE EBA UPDATE

This is a brief update on where bargaining is at between the Unions/Pilot Reps and REX/NJE for a new, replacement, Agreement.

It is an old news now, of course, that Cobham-NJE was acquired by REX as part of the sale of Cobham, but prior to that of course considerable progress had been made in bargaining, albeit at almost glacial speed, complicated and delayed of course by COVID-19 and the pause in bargaining at that time.

Significantly, though, prior to the acquisition the then company issued an unacceptable proposed EA to the pilots to vote on. It is old history that it was comprehensively rejected for the reasons members articulated in the feedback. That was in approximately June 2022.

Since then, however, there has been a sweep of the former management and REX has assumed the role in the bargaining. This has had the effect of slowing up the bargaining as REX came to terms with the current Agreement, what was proposed in a replacement Agreement and, of course, other instruments such as the roster protocol.

These delays were tolerated for a period but then months dragged on with no resolution. Finally, the company agreed in recognition of the delays to pay the agreed first instalment of the wage increases, a mere 1.1% being the CPI at the relevant time. This placated to some extent but then the delays continued.

Finally, at our last meeting on 19 June, after lobbying and pressure, the company agreed to commit to ending the bargaining, with terms agreed, and a proposed agreement ready by the next meeting that is scheduled for 24 July.

The AFAP pressed that in the absence of that progress the company should pass on the second agreed wages instalment. The company did not agree that during the meeting but did commit to obtaining instructions. Whilst we do not anticipate a positive response, at least immediately, we do anticipate the incentive to agree an Agreement will prevail, which is the absolute priority.

We are now at the point where all matters are agreed, or at least we believe they are agreed (only a final review of a proposed Agreement will confirm that), including a comprehensive review of the rostering protocol, to the point we are now expecting a formal proposed and drafted agreement for consideration and release for voting. That much has been assured by the company. That is the target for, or by, 24 July - our next scheduled bargaining meeting. Of course, as indicated above, any draft Agreement will need to be reviewed by the Unions/Reps if for no other reason than to avoid the debacle of the last vote. We await in anticipation.

We know this has been frustrating for members, but we are hopeful the finish line is now in sight. Please be assured though, these delays have not been the cause of the Unions or the Pilot Reps. Our objective is, and always has been, to get an Agreement, but not at any price which we all understand to be the unspoken direction and expectation of members.

So, hopefully, come 24 July we will have some more positive news for members. Members will be further updated after that timeline, or before if there are developments in the meantime.

AFAP INDUSTRIAL TEAM