AFAP QPC Briefing #3
A PDF version of this update is available
here.
Happy Friday everyone,
SH EA survey
A reminder that the survey closes Monday 4 December. The AFAP will meet with Qantas on Thursday 7 December to present our log of claims. We will update members following that meeting.
It is highly important that you complete the survey as the results will establish our log of claims and allow us to analyse any offer the Company puts forward. This context is critical, as the acceptability of any agreement is determined with reference to what the survey indicates is important to our members.
Data is key, so if you haven’t already done so, we ask you please take the time to complete the survey. If you need a new link, please email Patrick Larkins at
patrick@afap.org.au and request the link.
While the link will only allow one submission, you may save and continue the survey at a later time.
Loss of Licence & MBF
There has been some confusion around loss of licence insurance and the Mutual Benefit Fund (MBF). To be clear: loss of licence insurance for mainline pilots is covered by QF under the two EAs. The AFAP MBF is an opt-in system available to AFAP members. No cover is lost by joining the AFAP.
Negotiations
NDAs
A popular tactic employed by the Company in recent negotiations has been the extensive use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which have not extended beyond the negotiating team and executive levels.
These agreements, signed by negotiating teams, limit the information that can be shared with elected representatives about the negotiations. Whilst there are rare occasions where NDA’s may be required, they should not be used to deliberately stifle the flow of information, nor should they be signed for non-commercially sensitive information.
The QPC believes in good-faith bargaining as the law prescribes, and doesn’t see the need for NDA’s as a standard practice.
Approach
The QPC will always seek to negotiate mutually beneficial outcomes with Qantas as a first option, however, we believe that all legal options should always be on the table. Qantas have proven time and again their willingness to do the same.
Recent mainline EA negotiations, and the SH variation, contained significant pilot concessions resulting in permanent material losses for the pilot body. It is the QPC’s position that previous negotiations limited to the approach of interest based bargaining, have resulted in unfair outcomes for the pilots, delivering results overwhelmingly in the Company’s favour.
Interest based bargaining is a process that relies on negotiators acting as joint problem solvers and assumes mutual gain is possible. It relies on both parties helping each other to achieve a positive outcome. Unfortunately, Qantas have severely eroded the pilot body’s trust by continually engaging in adversarial bargaining processes and tactics, in contradiction with the principles of interest based bargaining.
With this in mind, the QPC is committed to good faith bargaining, with all legal options and tactics on the table.
We will provide you with a steady flow of unbiased information that will enable you to vote sensibly and without fear. We believe this will ensure a transparent negotiation and the best possible outcome, while maintaining integrity and your trust.
For any general inquiries regarding this update or other matters at Qantas please contact the AFAP legal and industrial team of Senior Legal/ Industrial Officer Pat Larkins (
patrick@afap.org.au), Senior Industrial Officer Chris Aikens (
chris@afap.org.au), or Executive Director Simon Lutton (
simon@afap.org.au).
Regards,
AFAP Qantas Pilot Council
Michael Egan - Chair
Mark Gilmour - Vice- Chair
Daniel Kobeleff - Secretary
Michael Armessen - Committee Member