For Michael, work in the Kimberley typically meant spending at least two months away from home, camping in the sweltering desert with no aircon, loved ones or entertainment.
He would work six days on, one day off, for two months straight — which adds up to 56 days’ work and only six days’ rest.
“You’re away for two months at a time and getting paid $45,000 a year for working 12-hour days
— nobody wants to spend $100,000 to live in a box in Katherine,” Michael said.
Michael said he should work a maximum of 48 hours a week under his licence — split between flying hours and additional duties, such as maintenance — but usually worked more than 60.
“Every pilot that doesn’t work at Qantas is being underpaid at least seven hours a week. Everyone is doing 45 hours if not 70 a week,” he said.
{ I will call BS on the above Qantas statement}
Did Michael's helicopter/fixed wing break down a lot or has the 100 hr (*) a month been lifted a x check of his log book to MR would be interesting - at $45 k for the year under those conditions that will be a big back pay when he leaves- but I expect the $45K will be the base pay and not include per diems or OT and other.