This does however appear to be an extraordinary uplift in one hit, considering the state of affairs overall.
Not really. If it were a 21% increase
for 1 year, then maybe, but the EA has been expired for many years now with the resultant absence of pay rises. Now what we see is years of company approved pay rises (that equally apply to ALL other employees) coming in one hit. And it is suddenly viewed as extraordinary? Hardly.
Additionally, the 6% increase for BOOT compliance is necessary to ensure FWC approval of any proposed EA. Granted, the extension of this increase to ALL categories was not legally required however would have significantly diminished the chances of a yes vote.
Since the expiry of the current JQ EA we have seen the successful negotiation of new EA’s for mainline LH and SH, as well as a SH variation. Yet only now has an in-principle agreement been reached with Jetstar. It might be time for a bit of self-reflection as to missed opportunities during this protracted process rather than the back-slapping we see for a decidedly average deal involving no more than group policy annual increases and a mandated one-off raise along with multiple ‘gives’ for very little in return.