2 November 2004
Attention All Qantas Long Haul Flight Attendants
EBA VII – IN PRINCIPLE AGREEMENT REACHED WITH QANTAS
We are pleased to advise all Flight Attendants that an “In Principle Agreement” on EBAVII has been reached with Qantas.
With the assistance of Commissioner Raffaelli, of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, a memorandum of understanding between Qantas and the FAAA was signed today 2 nd November 2004.
The full details of the agreement will be sent to all Flight Attendants. It is our intention to hold a series of meetings throughout Australia and other International Slip ports to provide crew with a comprehensive briefing prior to the postal ballot.
A summary of the agreement is as follows:-
A 3% per annum pay increase for each of the 3 years of the EBA.
The removal of the Pay Equalisation review clause from the last EBA that could have resulted in a pay cut.
The removal of the roster review clause from the last EBA that could have resulted in changes to the seniority based preferential bid system.
A new Divisional Flying Agreement with Qantas the FAAA (Domestic and International Divisions) that provides for the Commission to conciliate, and in the event that the conciliation is not successful, for private arbitration by the Commission of any disputes . The Agreement locks in the 747 and A380 exclusively for long haul and provides access to the A330, and provision for consultation on new aircraft.
One Flight per day for Australian based crews to London . This will not be date limited.
A new leave bank agreement subject to the approval of the OEA. ( Office of Employment Advocate)
The ability to change your nominated travel beneficiaries every 6 months and one free ticket at your travel category to be used during the life of the EBA for a trip to London in recognition of the London Base effect. This is for the flight attendant or one nominated travel beneficiary.
Changes to the Language Lines for new flight attendants with Cantonese, Mandarin and Hindi Languages.
A Cap on overseas based crew. This cap does not have an expiry date like the current EBA and continues for the life of the Agreement.
We have received assurances from the Company that the flight attendants employed on 11 month fixed term contracts will be considered for other positions within the Qantas Group when their contract expires.
The FAAA strongly recommends the in principle agreement to cabin crew as a good deal that overwhelmingly achieves the objectives that we have communicated to you. This was achieved without having to engage in protracted industrial action.
Finally, we do not believe that this agreement would have been possible without the very public support and solidarity of our membership. We are very proud and grateful for the support that you have given us.
Written by Steven Reed – President International Division
And authorised by Michael Mijatov – Secretary International Division