Bad news for AO cabin crew in Cairns?
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Well two things I know for sure (FA's) is one, we wont become JetStar International as that process is done (so will all the speculators saying that we will be turned into them please stop).
Two, we will NEVER be offered long haul positions under the current L/H EBA. This is the one division QF are trying to reduce.
QF management do not want to get rid of us, they could have easily done that in July last year, no questions asked. QF management have recieved glowing reports of us re our service, safety and op's, and our audits have been fantastic going on available info. Given the fact that QF has major expansion in mind I cant see them just booting experienced, dedicated, proffesional and hard working crew out the door, hell it would cost them more to pay us out than it would to train new crew.
The problem lies with current EBA's in place. We won't be placed anywhere until these expire, L/H expires around the same time as ours, Jan 08 (L/H Dec 07 I think) not sure about S/H. Given that fact and the outcome of new EBA's I think we will be around in our capacity at least until then.
Apparently (and please quote me if I am wrong) QF are looking at having a total of around 6000 FA's due to expansion. That is huge compared to the current (around) 3,700. Under what conditions we are employed, who know's but talking to L/H crew neither do they. The next EBA will be a tough one and we must support them as the L/H crew may just be fighting for our future conditions.
This is my hope,
The other alternative is they will make us all redundant and we will have to re-apply. I'm happy to sacrifice my money if I keep my job, and I will relocate ANYWHERE, hell, I have done Cairns for 5 years.
Two, we will NEVER be offered long haul positions under the current L/H EBA. This is the one division QF are trying to reduce.
QF management do not want to get rid of us, they could have easily done that in July last year, no questions asked. QF management have recieved glowing reports of us re our service, safety and op's, and our audits have been fantastic going on available info. Given the fact that QF has major expansion in mind I cant see them just booting experienced, dedicated, proffesional and hard working crew out the door, hell it would cost them more to pay us out than it would to train new crew.
The problem lies with current EBA's in place. We won't be placed anywhere until these expire, L/H expires around the same time as ours, Jan 08 (L/H Dec 07 I think) not sure about S/H. Given that fact and the outcome of new EBA's I think we will be around in our capacity at least until then.
Apparently (and please quote me if I am wrong) QF are looking at having a total of around 6000 FA's due to expansion. That is huge compared to the current (around) 3,700. Under what conditions we are employed, who know's but talking to L/H crew neither do they. The next EBA will be a tough one and we must support them as the L/H crew may just be fighting for our future conditions.
This is my hope,
The other alternative is they will make us all redundant and we will have to re-apply. I'm happy to sacrifice my money if I keep my job, and I will relocate ANYWHERE, hell, I have done Cairns for 5 years.
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People I've been talking to in the tourism industry in Cairns say that tourist numbers have been unusually low for at least the last 6 months. If there's any truth in this, surely it translates to fewer bums on seats. Isn't this having an impact on QF yet?
Or don't they care any more... now that the QF brand will disappear under APA ownership?
Or don't they care any more... now that the QF brand will disappear under APA ownership?
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Doris!
You can thank a small breakaway group that formed during the last EBA negotiations for your current situation. They are responsible convincing so many people to sign off on a substandard EBA that left AO F/A's in a very bad position, should a situation such as the current one ever arise.
Because of this "group" of people, the FAAA was backed into a corner and had to agree to what was on the table. Therefore, you have no transfer rights into any of the QF companies and an EBA that allows QF to, quite simply, cut all of you loose, whenever they see fit.
Don't for one minute think that a good service and safety record will impress QF enough to keep you all employed. At the end of the day you are simply a dollar sign to them and if they can get someone to do the same job for less, then they will! Loyalty to this company means nothing.
You can thank a small breakaway group that formed during the last EBA negotiations for your current situation. They are responsible convincing so many people to sign off on a substandard EBA that left AO F/A's in a very bad position, should a situation such as the current one ever arise.
Because of this "group" of people, the FAAA was backed into a corner and had to agree to what was on the table. Therefore, you have no transfer rights into any of the QF companies and an EBA that allows QF to, quite simply, cut all of you loose, whenever they see fit.
Don't for one minute think that a good service and safety record will impress QF enough to keep you all employed. At the end of the day you are simply a dollar sign to them and if they can get someone to do the same job for less, then they will! Loyalty to this company means nothing.
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left-right-out..Thats right,all that matters to them is money and if they can set up another airline for less than J* they would do the same to J* crew.
They did it to L/H crew when they set up AO and now your in the firing line.
"it would cost them more to pay us out than it would to train new crew"...... As far as I know J* international crew have to pay for their own intiial training so you can forget that logic.
I also believe that if APA is going to withdraw more than 4 billion from the QF group in the first 12 months they will probably look at selling a few things.That might include the AO name as well as J*,catering,QF holidays etc....
They did it to L/H crew when they set up AO and now your in the firing line.
"it would cost them more to pay us out than it would to train new crew"...... As far as I know J* international crew have to pay for their own intiial training so you can forget that logic.
I also believe that if APA is going to withdraw more than 4 billion from the QF group in the first 12 months they will probably look at selling a few things.That might include the AO name as well as J*,catering,QF holidays etc....
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What pay out!!! I wish people would wake up to the fact that redundancy's or pay outs are only offered if they are reducing staff not if they are closing a company down!!! Jetstar will be needing to expand their crew base and I am sure there will be other opportunities for AO crew to apply if they want to remain in cairns. Qantas couldn't care less about the good reputation AO supposedly has if they cared so much about customer service and safety why employ all these FA's from Thailand, Japan etc to work for jetstar international. They have spent for more money on training pilots and they are far more valuable to the company so if they happy to let these guys go, (by offering them less and less) then tell me they care about loosing 300 + flight attendants. September at the earliest Jan-Feb at the latest make the most of it, it was great while it lasted!!!! 
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I thought a real possibility would be to wind the bussiness down by years end/ early next year. Cabin crew to go on AO AWAs' continue working on Qantas A/C. Pilots back to mainline. Office staff to be offered alternatives. However today, the labour government proposes changes to IR if ellected.
Possibilities change everyday.
Possibilities change everyday.
Money, money, money, money..........................
Spot on!
It all boils to money and we now know JB came up to assess the situation and is now getting serious about his plans.
Look after yourselves because no one else will. QF know you guys and gals are good so I'm sure they'll give you options. However don't expect a King's ransom in return.
Spot on!
It all boils to money and we now know JB came up to assess the situation and is now getting serious about his plans.
Look after yourselves because no one else will. QF know you guys and gals are good so I'm sure they'll give you options. However don't expect a King's ransom in return.
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Qantas To Open New Base In Cairns
Qantas today announced that it would establish a new base in Cairns from September, following a decision to close its Australian Airlines operation.
The Executive General Manager of Qantas, Mr John Borghetti, said the Qantas Group - which currently employed around 950 people in Cairns - would remain a major employer in Cairns, continuing to directly employ more than 900 people.
"We expect the majority of Australian Airlines cabin crew to take up new positions in Cairns," he said.
"The new base will employ approximately 220 cabin crew, all recruited from the Australian Airlines Cairns base.
"Cabin crew positions are also available with Jetstar, which is currently recruiting for its new international base in Cairns."
Mr Borghetti said that in addition to the cabin crew positions in Cairns:
* all Australian Airlines pilots would return to Qantas operations, with an opportunity for half (around 40) to remain in Cairns to crew, subject to union agreement, those B767 operations that continue to use Cairns airport and the remainder relocating to Sydney;
* positions would be available for all administrative staff in Brisbane or Sydney; and
* additional cabin crew positions would be available in London, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
He said the Qantas base would operate B767, B737 and A330 aircraft between Cairns and a range of destinations on the Qantas domestic network, as well as Qantas' Cairns-Narita flights.
"Our meetings last month with political and tourism representatives in Cairns, including Mayor Kevin Byrne, provided an opportunity for the Qantas Group to assess all the options available for future operations in the region," he said."Our overriding objective was to ensure that the Qantas Group could continue to grow services and support tourism in the region.
"Qantas, Jetstar and QantasLink will continue to operate almost 400 flights each week - more than 71,000 seats - in and out of Cairns.
"This is an important development for the Qantas Group, enabling us to strengthen our presence in Cairns and ensure that we continue to grow tourism in the region."
The Executive General Manager of Qantas, Mr John Borghetti, said the Qantas Group - which currently employed around 950 people in Cairns - would remain a major employer in Cairns, continuing to directly employ more than 900 people.
"We expect the majority of Australian Airlines cabin crew to take up new positions in Cairns," he said.
"The new base will employ approximately 220 cabin crew, all recruited from the Australian Airlines Cairns base.
"Cabin crew positions are also available with Jetstar, which is currently recruiting for its new international base in Cairns."
Mr Borghetti said that in addition to the cabin crew positions in Cairns:
* all Australian Airlines pilots would return to Qantas operations, with an opportunity for half (around 40) to remain in Cairns to crew, subject to union agreement, those B767 operations that continue to use Cairns airport and the remainder relocating to Sydney;
* positions would be available for all administrative staff in Brisbane or Sydney; and
* additional cabin crew positions would be available in London, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
He said the Qantas base would operate B767, B737 and A330 aircraft between Cairns and a range of destinations on the Qantas domestic network, as well as Qantas' Cairns-Narita flights.
"Our meetings last month with political and tourism representatives in Cairns, including Mayor Kevin Byrne, provided an opportunity for the Qantas Group to assess all the options available for future operations in the region," he said."Our overriding objective was to ensure that the Qantas Group could continue to grow services and support tourism in the region.
"Qantas, Jetstar and QantasLink will continue to operate almost 400 flights each week - more than 71,000 seats - in and out of Cairns.
"This is an important development for the Qantas Group, enabling us to strengthen our presence in Cairns and ensure that we continue to grow tourism in the region."
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Crew
o we still have a job?
Company:Sure
Crew:Where will we be based?
Company:Sunny FNQ
Crew:Thats fantastic....so we'll be on the same pay and conditions?
Company:Now let's be reasonable....Err No it will be a bit different...I mean..lower..with more hours..and less time off....you'll have to pay for uniforms of course...and there is the idea of you guys sharing rooms....But apart from that you'll love it....
o we still have a job?Company:Sure
Crew:Where will we be based?
Company:Sunny FNQ
Crew:Thats fantastic....so we'll be on the same pay and conditions?
Company:Now let's be reasonable....Err No it will be a bit different...I mean..lower..with more hours..and less time off....you'll have to pay for uniforms of course...and there is the idea of you guys sharing rooms....But apart from that you'll love it....
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So 220 AO cabin crew will remain in CNS. That's great! Are they permanent positions or MAM?
The positions in SYD, MEL and PER will make for an interesting time in regards to transfers. Lets hope the FAAA support current crew wishing to transfer prior to bases being offered to new crew.
Good news, nonetheless.
The positions in SYD, MEL and PER will make for an interesting time in regards to transfers. Lets hope the FAAA support current crew wishing to transfer prior to bases being offered to new crew.
Good news, nonetheless.
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We will not be MAM. Crew wishing to go to LHR base will be first appointed to S/H then will take Leave without pay ( LWOP ) to transfer to LHR base.
This is information is directly from the info pack provided to AO crew today.
We will be Qantas S/H.
This is information is directly from the info pack provided to AO crew today.
We will be Qantas S/H.
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Employee Q&A May 07.doc 3 May, 2007 Page 1 of 6
Changes to AO Wetlease operation (for employee distribution)
Questions & Answers
1. What is happening?
The Australian Airlines base will close in September 2007.
Qantas will establish a new base in Cairns from September 2007 to operate Qantas
B737 and A330 aircraft between Cairns and a range of destinations on the Qantas
domestic network, as well as Cairns-Narita flights.
2. Why has Qantas made this decision?The Qantas Group’s fleet of international B767-300 aircraft is being progressively moved
to domestic and trans-Tasman services – a move that is in the best interests of our
business.
This is a significant change that will make it impossible to sustain the wet lease operation
in Cairns.
3. Why have you not communicated the decision to staff before now?.
We have been exploring a range of options and this decision was only confirmed
yesterday.The reality is there is no viable alternative for the AO Wetlease operation.
Once the decision was made, we moved immediately to put in place a full communication
program for staff.
4. What has changed since November 2006 when you wrote to staff saying you
would replace two lines of B767-300 international flying?
The fleet plan at that time was developed on the basis of operating a certain amount of
B767-300 international flying until 2009.
Following the decision to acquire six additional A330-200 aircraft to operate on
international routes, which are being delivered between June 2007 and January 2009,
the fleet plan has evolved in line with market and business requirements, taking into
account new entrants into the market.
5. Will all AO staff be affected?
Yes, all AO staff will be affected.
We have worked hard to identify sufficient employment options to accommodate all
Australian Airlines staff affected by the closure.
Employee Q&A May 07.doc 3 May, 2007 Page 2 of 6
We have an extensive communication and transition program to assist employees
throughout the process. Full support services will be offered and made available to staff.
6. Is this in any way a reflection on the ability of the AO team?
No. The AO team are highly regarded and it is for this reason we are working hard to
assist with employment opportunities for affected staff.
7. What support will be offered to me during this process?
AO is committed to providing employees with full details about the decision. We have an
extensive communication and transition program to assist employees throughout the
process.
Full support services will be offered and made available to staff, including:
• On-site professional counselling
• Employee Assistance Program, available 24 hrs via phone
o Within Australia -1300 366 789
o From Overseas - +61 2 9214 4411
• Outplacement programs to assist people in finding alternative employment
• Additionally, as always, please feel free to speak with your Manager or People
Representative, Nicola Hyatt, phone (02) 9691 5086
• Or alternatively queries can be directed to [email protected]
8. What counselling services are available?
There will be on-site professional counselling provided.
The existing Employee Assistance Program is also available to all AO employees and
their families 24 hours a day. This is a free and confidential service.
The numbers are:
• Within Australia –1300 366 789
• From Overseas - +61 2 9214 4411
Please contact your Manager or People Representative, Nicola Hyatt on phone (02) 9691
5086, if you require a flyer or further information.
9. When will redundancy entitlement information be made available to staff?
All eligible staff employed by AO will be provided with individual employee information
kits, which will contain estimates of all benefits, including redundancy entitlements within
approximately two weeks.
10. If I would like a voluntary redundancy package when can I take it?
Applications for early voluntary redundancy by eligible staff will be considered on a case
by case basis depending on operational requirements.
Employee Q&A May 07.doc 3 May, 2007 Page 3 of 6
11. What if I get offered a job opportunity prior to the AO closure?
We need to meet the operational requirements of the airline, but we will do our best to
work with you to find a solution if an alternative job opportunity arises.
12. Will any relocation assistance be provided?
Relocation assistance will not be given unless specifically contractually provided for.
13. Will there be consultation with the unions on the redundancy process?
The relevant unions have been notified of the Company’s decision and the Company
intends to discuss the proposed arrangements, including our plans to minimise the
impact on the employees, with them.
14. Can I take time off between now and the closure of the Australian Airlines
operation?
Employees will need to liase with their Manager to ensure operational requirements are
met.
Cabin Crew Questions & Answers
15. What opportunities will there be for cabin crew?
Qantas will establish a new short haul base in Cairns for approximately 220 cabin crew to
be recruited from the current AO cabin crew base. In addition, there will be a number of
voluntary transfer opportunities available to other short haul bases, including Sydney,
Melbourne, and Perth. There also will be a number of positions with Cabin Crew UK in
London. Crew accepting a position with Cabin Crew UK will be appointed to Qantas
short haul and then granted leave without pay from short haul to work in London for a
fixed term.
We are confident that there are sufficient opportunities to accommodate all AO Cabin
Crew who elect to apply for alternative employment with Qantas short haul. These
opportunities will be offered as an alternative to redundancy payments.
Voluntary redundancy packages will be made available to Cabin Crew who elect not to
pursue these opportunities in Qantas short haul.In addition, other opportunities exist to apply for positions with Jetstar and QantasLink jet
operations in Cairns. There may also be opportunities with Jetstar in other bases over the
coming months. Individuals who are successful in achieving employment with Jetstar or
QantasLink will still be entitled to redundancy payments. Further details will be available
from your Manager and People representative.
16. How will AO cabin crew find out more about the Qantas short haul
opportunities?
All AO cabin crew will be invited to attend information sessions about the Qantas short
haul opportunities, commencing Friday 4 May.
Employee Q&A May 07.doc 3 May, 2007 Page 4 of 6
17. How will this process be managed?
We plan to run an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to understand which staff would
like to seek a redeployment opportunity within Qantas short haul and which staff would
like to a take a voluntary redundancy.
18. What will my redundancy payment be?
Eligible AO cabin crew who elect to accept voluntary redundancy will receive a payment
as outlined below:
Employees covered under the Australian Airlines Flight Attendants EBAII:
Cabin Crew are entitled to three weeks pay per year of service, pro-rated for each
completed month of service, up to a maximum of 15 weeks pay.
“Weeks pay” means the ordinary time rate for the employee.
A notice period, or payment in lieu of notice, also applies. This is one week if you are still
on probation, otherwise it is one month if you are under 45 years of age and one month
plus one week if you are over 45 years of age and have completed two or more years of
service.
19. Are we still able to apply for the recently advertised Jetstar cabin crew
positions in Cairns?
Yes.
20. Why can’t we just transfer to Jetstar? Why do we need to apply?
Jetstar is keen to encourage Australian Airlines flight attendants to apply for positions.
However there are limited positions and applicants must meet the Jetstar recruitment
criteria.
21. What will the training program look like for Cabin Crew accepting a position
with Qantas Short Haul?
The training will be conducted in accordance with current Qantas Short Haul
requirements, including B737 and A330 aircraft.
22. If I’m a Flight Attendant on Leave Without Pay (LWOP) or on maternity leave
from AO what happens to me?
All flight attendants will have access to the same opportunities.
Employee Q&A May 07.doc 3 May, 2007 Page 5 of 6
Pilots Questions & Answers
23. What opportunities will there be for Pilots?
AO Pilots will return to Qantas operations, with an opportunity for half (approximately 40)
to remain in Cairns to crew B767 operations that continue to use Cairns airport and the
remainder to return to Qantas in Sydney, in accordance with their EBA. This opportunity
for some pilots to remain in Cairns is subject to AIPA agreement on the required rostering
arrangements and will be a temporary provision continuing for the period that sufficient
B767 services continue to operate through Cairns airport.
The process for determining the arrangements for the positions in Cairns will be
communicated after consultation with AIPA.
Pilots will not be eligible for a redundancy package.
24. What will the training program look like for Pilots returning to Qantas?
A project team will be working with Qantas Flight Operations to determine the individual
training programs. Pilots will be notified of these arrangements as soon as possible.
25. Will Pilots returning to Qantas retain their current AO category?
Yes.
26. Have the AO Pilot EBA negotiations influenced the decision?
No. There has been a significant change to the Qantas fleet plan that makes it impossible
to sustain the wet lease operation.
Ground staff Questions & Answers
27. What opportunities will there be for ground staff?
For ground staff, positions will be available in Brisbane or Sydney. We will hold face to
face discussions with each of employee to assist in determining their options.
28. How will AO ground staff find out about other employment opportunities within
the Qantas group?
We will be holding face to face discussions with AO ground staff to work through their
options.
29. How will this process be managed?
We plan to run an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to understand which staff would
like to seek a redeployment opportunity with Qantas Airlines and which staff would like to
a take a voluntary redundancy.
30. What will my redundancy payment be?
Eligible AO staff covered under the Australian Services Union Clerical & Administrative
Agreement 2005; who elect to accept voluntary redundancy will receive the following :
Employee Q&A May 07.doc 3 May, 2007 Page 6 of 6
Period of Continuous Service
with Australian Airlines
Period of
Notice (up to 45
years of age)
Period of Notice
(over 45 years of
age)
Redundancy Pay
(up to 45 years of
age)
Redundancy
Pay (over 45
years of age)
Less than 1 year 2 weeks 2 weeks nil nil
1 year to less than 2 years 2 weeks 2 weeks 4 weeks 5 weeks
2 years to less than 3 years 2 weeks 2 weeks 7 weeks 8.75 weeks
3 years to less than 4 years 3 weeks 4 weeks 10 weeks 12.5 weeks
4 years, to less than 5 years 3 weeks 4 weeks 12 weeks 15 weeks
5 years to less than 6 years 4 weeks 5 weeks 14 weeks 17.5 weeks
Over 6 years 4 weeks 5 weeks 16 weeks 20 weeks
“Weeks pay” means the ordinary time rate for the employee.
Eligible AO Non Award Employees/Management – we will be discussing your individual
circumstances with you in one-on-one meetings. You should refer to your individual
employment agreements for details of the redundancy provisions.
Changes to AO Wetlease operation (for employee distribution)
Questions & Answers
1. What is happening?
The Australian Airlines base will close in September 2007.
Qantas will establish a new base in Cairns from September 2007 to operate Qantas
B737 and A330 aircraft between Cairns and a range of destinations on the Qantas
domestic network, as well as Cairns-Narita flights.
2. Why has Qantas made this decision?The Qantas Group’s fleet of international B767-300 aircraft is being progressively moved
to domestic and trans-Tasman services – a move that is in the best interests of our
business.
This is a significant change that will make it impossible to sustain the wet lease operation
in Cairns.
3. Why have you not communicated the decision to staff before now?.
We have been exploring a range of options and this decision was only confirmed
yesterday.The reality is there is no viable alternative for the AO Wetlease operation.
Once the decision was made, we moved immediately to put in place a full communication
program for staff.
4. What has changed since November 2006 when you wrote to staff saying you
would replace two lines of B767-300 international flying?
The fleet plan at that time was developed on the basis of operating a certain amount of
B767-300 international flying until 2009.
Following the decision to acquire six additional A330-200 aircraft to operate on
international routes, which are being delivered between June 2007 and January 2009,
the fleet plan has evolved in line with market and business requirements, taking into
account new entrants into the market.
5. Will all AO staff be affected?
Yes, all AO staff will be affected.
We have worked hard to identify sufficient employment options to accommodate all
Australian Airlines staff affected by the closure.
Employee Q&A May 07.doc 3 May, 2007 Page 2 of 6
We have an extensive communication and transition program to assist employees
throughout the process. Full support services will be offered and made available to staff.
6. Is this in any way a reflection on the ability of the AO team?
No. The AO team are highly regarded and it is for this reason we are working hard to
assist with employment opportunities for affected staff.
7. What support will be offered to me during this process?
AO is committed to providing employees with full details about the decision. We have an
extensive communication and transition program to assist employees throughout the
process.
Full support services will be offered and made available to staff, including:
• On-site professional counselling
• Employee Assistance Program, available 24 hrs via phone
o Within Australia -1300 366 789
o From Overseas - +61 2 9214 4411
• Outplacement programs to assist people in finding alternative employment
• Additionally, as always, please feel free to speak with your Manager or People
Representative, Nicola Hyatt, phone (02) 9691 5086
• Or alternatively queries can be directed to [email protected]
8. What counselling services are available?
There will be on-site professional counselling provided.
The existing Employee Assistance Program is also available to all AO employees and
their families 24 hours a day. This is a free and confidential service.
The numbers are:
• Within Australia –1300 366 789
• From Overseas - +61 2 9214 4411
Please contact your Manager or People Representative, Nicola Hyatt on phone (02) 9691
5086, if you require a flyer or further information.
9. When will redundancy entitlement information be made available to staff?
All eligible staff employed by AO will be provided with individual employee information
kits, which will contain estimates of all benefits, including redundancy entitlements within
approximately two weeks.
10. If I would like a voluntary redundancy package when can I take it?
Applications for early voluntary redundancy by eligible staff will be considered on a case
by case basis depending on operational requirements.
Employee Q&A May 07.doc 3 May, 2007 Page 3 of 6
11. What if I get offered a job opportunity prior to the AO closure?
We need to meet the operational requirements of the airline, but we will do our best to
work with you to find a solution if an alternative job opportunity arises.
12. Will any relocation assistance be provided?
Relocation assistance will not be given unless specifically contractually provided for.
13. Will there be consultation with the unions on the redundancy process?
The relevant unions have been notified of the Company’s decision and the Company
intends to discuss the proposed arrangements, including our plans to minimise the
impact on the employees, with them.
14. Can I take time off between now and the closure of the Australian Airlines
operation?
Employees will need to liase with their Manager to ensure operational requirements are
met.
Cabin Crew Questions & Answers
15. What opportunities will there be for cabin crew?
Qantas will establish a new short haul base in Cairns for approximately 220 cabin crew to
be recruited from the current AO cabin crew base. In addition, there will be a number of
voluntary transfer opportunities available to other short haul bases, including Sydney,
Melbourne, and Perth. There also will be a number of positions with Cabin Crew UK in
London. Crew accepting a position with Cabin Crew UK will be appointed to Qantas
short haul and then granted leave without pay from short haul to work in London for a
fixed term.
We are confident that there are sufficient opportunities to accommodate all AO Cabin
Crew who elect to apply for alternative employment with Qantas short haul. These
opportunities will be offered as an alternative to redundancy payments.
Voluntary redundancy packages will be made available to Cabin Crew who elect not to
pursue these opportunities in Qantas short haul.In addition, other opportunities exist to apply for positions with Jetstar and QantasLink jet
operations in Cairns. There may also be opportunities with Jetstar in other bases over the
coming months. Individuals who are successful in achieving employment with Jetstar or
QantasLink will still be entitled to redundancy payments. Further details will be available
from your Manager and People representative.
16. How will AO cabin crew find out more about the Qantas short haul
opportunities?
All AO cabin crew will be invited to attend information sessions about the Qantas short
haul opportunities, commencing Friday 4 May.
Employee Q&A May 07.doc 3 May, 2007 Page 4 of 6
17. How will this process be managed?
We plan to run an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to understand which staff would
like to seek a redeployment opportunity within Qantas short haul and which staff would
like to a take a voluntary redundancy.
18. What will my redundancy payment be?
Eligible AO cabin crew who elect to accept voluntary redundancy will receive a payment
as outlined below:
Employees covered under the Australian Airlines Flight Attendants EBAII:
Cabin Crew are entitled to three weeks pay per year of service, pro-rated for each
completed month of service, up to a maximum of 15 weeks pay.
“Weeks pay” means the ordinary time rate for the employee.
A notice period, or payment in lieu of notice, also applies. This is one week if you are still
on probation, otherwise it is one month if you are under 45 years of age and one month
plus one week if you are over 45 years of age and have completed two or more years of
service.
19. Are we still able to apply for the recently advertised Jetstar cabin crew
positions in Cairns?
Yes.
20. Why can’t we just transfer to Jetstar? Why do we need to apply?
Jetstar is keen to encourage Australian Airlines flight attendants to apply for positions.
However there are limited positions and applicants must meet the Jetstar recruitment
criteria.
21. What will the training program look like for Cabin Crew accepting a position
with Qantas Short Haul?
The training will be conducted in accordance with current Qantas Short Haul
requirements, including B737 and A330 aircraft.
22. If I’m a Flight Attendant on Leave Without Pay (LWOP) or on maternity leave
from AO what happens to me?
All flight attendants will have access to the same opportunities.
Employee Q&A May 07.doc 3 May, 2007 Page 5 of 6
Pilots Questions & Answers
23. What opportunities will there be for Pilots?
AO Pilots will return to Qantas operations, with an opportunity for half (approximately 40)
to remain in Cairns to crew B767 operations that continue to use Cairns airport and the
remainder to return to Qantas in Sydney, in accordance with their EBA. This opportunity
for some pilots to remain in Cairns is subject to AIPA agreement on the required rostering
arrangements and will be a temporary provision continuing for the period that sufficient
B767 services continue to operate through Cairns airport.
The process for determining the arrangements for the positions in Cairns will be
communicated after consultation with AIPA.
Pilots will not be eligible for a redundancy package.
24. What will the training program look like for Pilots returning to Qantas?
A project team will be working with Qantas Flight Operations to determine the individual
training programs. Pilots will be notified of these arrangements as soon as possible.
25. Will Pilots returning to Qantas retain their current AO category?
Yes.
26. Have the AO Pilot EBA negotiations influenced the decision?
No. There has been a significant change to the Qantas fleet plan that makes it impossible
to sustain the wet lease operation.
Ground staff Questions & Answers
27. What opportunities will there be for ground staff?
For ground staff, positions will be available in Brisbane or Sydney. We will hold face to
face discussions with each of employee to assist in determining their options.
28. How will AO ground staff find out about other employment opportunities within
the Qantas group?
We will be holding face to face discussions with AO ground staff to work through their
options.
29. How will this process be managed?
We plan to run an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to understand which staff would
like to seek a redeployment opportunity with Qantas Airlines and which staff would like to
a take a voluntary redundancy.
30. What will my redundancy payment be?
Eligible AO staff covered under the Australian Services Union Clerical & Administrative
Agreement 2005; who elect to accept voluntary redundancy will receive the following :
Employee Q&A May 07.doc 3 May, 2007 Page 6 of 6
Period of Continuous Service
with Australian Airlines
Period of
Notice (up to 45
years of age)
Period of Notice
(over 45 years of
age)
Redundancy Pay
(up to 45 years of
age)
Redundancy
Pay (over 45
years of age)
Less than 1 year 2 weeks 2 weeks nil nil
1 year to less than 2 years 2 weeks 2 weeks 4 weeks 5 weeks
2 years to less than 3 years 2 weeks 2 weeks 7 weeks 8.75 weeks
3 years to less than 4 years 3 weeks 4 weeks 10 weeks 12.5 weeks
4 years, to less than 5 years 3 weeks 4 weeks 12 weeks 15 weeks
5 years to less than 6 years 4 weeks 5 weeks 14 weeks 17.5 weeks
Over 6 years 4 weeks 5 weeks 16 weeks 20 weeks
“Weeks pay” means the ordinary time rate for the employee.
Eligible AO Non Award Employees/Management – we will be discussing your individual
circumstances with you in one-on-one meetings. You should refer to your individual
employment agreements for details of the redundancy provisions.
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: north
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5 years of hard work has paid off. The positions are full time. yes full time on current short haul eba.
I have mixed emotions right now. AO had a very special work force.
Great news for all AO crew
I have mixed emotions right now. AO had a very special work force.
Great news for all AO crew
Join Date: Aug 2005
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Teething Problems
Trying to blend the two cultures will present some initial difficulties...not to mention seniority.
I wish you all well but be prepared for some compromises.
Read the fine print regarding TOCs
I wish you all well but be prepared for some compromises.
Read the fine print regarding TOCs
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
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Has it been confirmed that the AO F/A's will be employed as permanents by Qantas, or will they be employed by MAM as Contract C's? If they get a permanent position, will seniority be backdated to their start date with Australian Airlines, or commence from their start date with Qantas?
Maybe the short haul FAAA can clarify!!
Maybe the short haul FAAA can clarify!!