Thought this may interest some of you.......
FAAA NEWS
10 November, 2006 QF36-06
Attention All Short Haul Flight Attendants’
FAAA STRUCTURE
Breaking Down Division’s
As members maybe aware, there have been ongoing discussions with the FAAA International Division on removing the barriers between the Divisions.
By way of background, approximately two years ago myself and other senior officials from our Division approached the FAAA International Division with a view of removing restrictions and operating as one union. It is worth noting that time we had similar membership numbers and EBA’s up for negotiation. We believed this to be an ideal time to progress this matter. However this offer was politely declined by Long Haul.
Members should note, that the only positive that came from not progressing the matter, at that stage, was it may well have resulted in a geographical structure that would simply not work under the current industrial climate.
Since then your Division has grown substantially mainly due to the successful introduction of the Airline Team Structure in lieu of the old geographical (state) Branch structure. The majority of airlines we represent (15 in total) have an Airline Team Coordinator, Team delegates and an allocated FAAA staff person, with two new Industrial Organisers soon to be employed, to deal with issues important to their own members in their own airline.
Each airline team controls their own destiny within the confines of the Association rules. In short, our Divisional Council/Executive is made up of representatives from each airline team who have the overall responsibility for ensuring the industrial and professional interests of all Flight Attendants. To introduce a structure of autonomy without safeguards would simply replicate division between members. Your structure has been developed to ensure equal say for all members and does not allow one airline undue influence over decision making. This success of this structure is evident by the increase in our membership and can also be measured by our industrial achievements.
As reported at recent Qantas Short Haul members meetings, the FAAA International Division has a full understanding of our structure and has acknowledged the importance of our new structure in meeting future industrial/airline challenges. In fact they have expressed an interest in moving forward under our structure as a Qantas Long Haul Team.
This newsletter is to update all members, including those who have contacted the FAAA requesting feedback as to the status of these important negotiations. As reported at the members meetings, time is of the essence to finally be a unified force for the future of all flight attendants before significant EBA’s are due to be renegotiated.
In September 2006 your Division put a detailed position paper to the FAAA International Division outlining a way forward. As previously stated, there would be a Qantas Long Haul Team with a separate Team structure for Australian Airlines and Jetstar International. Unfortunately the Long Haul Division is yet to respond to this paper.
We also believe that the introduction of the Jetstar International AWA (Individual Contracts) is a concern for members of both Divisions’. We have suggested a meeting between the Division’s to formulate common strategies to deal with assisting our colleagues in Jetstar International, in improving their conditions of employment and ensure they have a rewarding career in the industry.
I will keep you informed of discussions once they eventually recommence. However, from your Division’s perspective, responsibility must be taken to ensure all flight attendants conditions of employment are protected in this volatile industry, regardless of uniform.
In conclusion, be reassured that we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that we will continue to push for one FAAA under the proven and successful Domestic/Regional Airline Team Structure.
This newsletter was written and authorised by Darryl Watkins Divisional Secretary.