Federation media statement
MEDIA RELEASE – Australian Federation of Air Pilots
23 August 2011
Virgin Pilots Vote in New Era.
First Union Collective Agreement!
In a ballot that closed last night at midnight, the Virgin Australia long haul pilots flying to Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi conclusively voted up their first collective agreement.
146 pilots were eligible to vote and 144 voted. This is an extremely high voter turnout and showed the high level of interest this pilot group had in this, their first collective agreement. 85% voted in favour of the proposed document.
Lead pilot negotiator Captain Tim Hosking welcomed the outcome of the vote by saying:-
“This is an historic moment for our pilots taking us from individual contracts to a collective agreement that recognises where Virgin Australia is positioned in an uncertain economy and that its pilots’ terms and conditions of employment had to be improved. This provides a sound platform for our pilots and Virgin Australia as we move forward.”
Tim Hosking highlighted that the Negotiations commenced in March 2010 and although difficult at times as the company worked through management and significant structural change, the end result was worth it.
Terry O’Connell, the Executive Director of the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP), which represents Virgin Australia pilots, added:
“The Virgin long haul pilots have earned this improvement in their conditions and salaries some of which will increase over 25% immediately. Annual increases of 4% upwards will keep the pilots salaries in line with inflation. This pilot group now sits in the mid-range of pilot terms and conditions in Australia.”
He concluded “This agreement furthers the relationship between the pilots and their management and we expect further improvements as Virgin Australia grows.”
The AFAP will now turn its attention to renegotiating the 2007 Pilots’ Enterprise Agreement , covering pilots in the domestic operation flying Airbus A330s, Boeing 737s and Embraers, which expires this coming November.
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For further information please feel free to contact Captain Tim Hosking on xxxx or Terry O’Connell on 03 9928 5737 or xxxx.
The Australian Federation of Air Pilots is the largest pilot union in Australia representing 3000 pilots in Airline, Regional, Helicopter and Aerial operations.