Recent media reports that Toll Holdings Limited is acquiring Pel-Air have now been confirmed.
The details we already have are:
- the aeromedical work will not change;
- the sale does not include the charter operations using the Saab fleet;
- charter pilots will be offered employment on the same terms with Rex; and
- no redundancies are planned as a result of the acquisition.
This follows Pel-Air's previous decision to make changes to its charter operations, as part of a separate process. The AFAP worked closely at that time with affected pilots, and will of course continue to do so now.
Acquisitions are often uncertain times for employees, however further details of the acquisition will no doubt become clearer over the coming weeks, including how previous service will be treated. The AFAP expects that all prior service of all pilots will be recognised in some form.
Importantly, the AFAP will consider the best way forward in bargaining for the aeromedical pilots enterprise agreement that is currently underway.
The AFAP will continue to support the pilot group at Pel-Air as the changes occur.
We recognise that this may be an uncertain time for some pilots. We would like to remind you that the AFAP has a Member Assistance Program (MAP) which is a free and confidential counselling and advisory service for AFAP members and their families. It provides professional assistance for AFAP Members who are experiencing personal or work-related problems. MAP can be accessed on 1300 307 912. You will need to have your AFAP membership number handy.
If you have any questions about the acquisition, please reach out to the Jason Newell (jason@afap.org.au) or Andrew Molnar (andrew@afap.org.au). You can also contact us on (03) 9928 5737.
Your Pel-Air Industrial Team