Seem the AFAP are not to happy with the deal.
Australian Federation of Air Pilots - Media Release 17/02/2012
PILOTS ANGRY OVER “CUT PRICE” TWU DEAL AT COBHAM
29 October 2015 - The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) is angry after learning that Cobham has done a secret agreement with the TWU that covers pilots employed under the new $640 million Government contract for Airborne Search and Rescue (SAR) services.
AFAP Executive Director Simon Lutton says, “The Company and the TWU have done a ‘cut-price’ deal behind closed doors. It is a disgrace!”
“This is a huge slap in the face to the current Cobham pilots and our members who have effectively been denied any say in the terms and conditions under which they will be working.” said Mr Lutton.
“We have significant concerns as to both the content and process followed for the making of this proposed agreement. The first our pilots heard of the deal was after it had already been lodged for approval in the Fair Work Commission.” said Mr Lutton
Mr Lutton went on to say that, “The deal done by Cobham and the TWU effectively pays pilots flying state-of-the-art jet aircraft less than Cobham pilots currently receive flying Dash-8 turbo-prop aircraft.”
The AFAP has applied to intervene in the Fair Work Commission on this matter and requested further information from Cobham. At this stage Cobham has refused to provide the requested information and a formal Fair Work Commission hearing is expected soon.
The $640 million Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) SAR contract using Bombardier Challenger CL-604 special mission jet aircraft was awarded to Cobham in October last year and is due to commence operation from August 2016.
The issue of secret union “sweet-heart” deals with employers has gained recent attention at the Heydon Royal Commission into Union Governance and Corruption.
The AFAP is a party to the three existing Cobham pilot enterprise agreements covering airline services, freight and surveillance operations.