Due to some misunderstandings about the processes we publish the following as an example of what needs to be considered.
The annual wage review process has generally delivered wage increases to all federal awards expressed as a percentage or flat dollar amount. For example, the 2008 review resulted in a $21.66 per week wage increase across all awards.
The annual wage review process is not designed to grant different wage increases to specific awards (such as the Air Pilots Award). Rather, award wages are increased by the same amount across the board.
As the annual wage review process does not empower Fair Work Australia to make specific increases for pilots, the AFAP does not intend to make submissions to the tribunal.
Recent changes introduced under the Fair Work Act have strengthened employee rights to negotiate enterprise (collective) agreements. The reality is that better wages and conditions for pilots are achieved through this process. As such, the AFAP will continue to seek to improve pilot wages through the negotiation of enterprise agreements.
In future Fair Work Australia will implement a timetable to review the content of modern awards. The AFAP will be actively involved in this process. It needs to be remembered that the Federation is the only pilot body that actively pursues the Award reviews and has done so since the creation of Awards. The AFAP was the union which initiated award coverage in the first place and will continue to fight on for General Aviation as well as other sectors in years to come.
Air Pilots Award
Salaries contained in the Air Pilots Award 2010 are based on a 38 hour working week. Pilots wanting to work beyond 38 hours may seek additional remuneration through the terms of an individual flexibility agreement or an enterprise agreement. The AFAP is available to assist members in this process.
If you wish to proceed with a submission to the wage review panel I suggest you refer to previous submissions made by the Australian Council of Trade Unions as a guide.
I have provided a link below to the ACTU’s 2009 submissions as an example:
http://www.fairpay.gov.au/NR/rdonlyr...ssion_2009.pdf
It is not as simple as writing a letter to FWA to get a specific wage increase please also note that whilst we are so busy cutting each others throats the companies get on with the job. It is entirely in your hands.
Lawrie Cox
Manager - Industrial Relations
Australian Federation of Air Pilots