Protected Industrial Action
Sorry Tid
you asked for short version of PIA
PIA (Protected Industrial Action)
Means what it says it is protected within the legislation.
What happens is that the Federation as the bargaining agent on behalf of its members can apply to hold a ballot on a series of actions to be taken by the pilot group.
The question can relate to any form of action, bans or refusal to perform certain duties.
Once the action questions are formulated we apply to Fair Work Australia to run a ballot of our members.
Both Federation and Company can attend and put arguments as to the questions to be asked.
It is important to note that only members or anyone represented by the Federation in the negotiations can vote.
The ballot is conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).
They receive the list of members from the Federation and compare to a full employee list from the employer.
Neither the Company or Union gets access to the lists supplied.
The ballot is declared on each question both as hard votes and percentages, this is published on the Fair Work website.
On each question supported by the majority the action can begin on the date no earlier than three business days.
There is also a time frame to start any single part of the action if not started by that time the ballot has to be rerun.
Once the action begins the employer does have the right to lock out employees for taking action but cannot dismiss the employee.
It is not a strike unless that was the agreed action to completely stop work indefinitely.
Also should be noted only Members can take the action.
If a non-member takes action outside normal ops in support they leave themselves open to a damages action.
Hope that gives the basic brief facts of PIA.
Lawrie Cox
Australian Federation of Air Pilots