NEW Australian Airlines (AO) EBA 2005 (merged)
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
NEW Australian Airlines (AO) EBA 2005
What Australian Airlines Has Offered For Your Next Certified Agreement
1. Increased Wages , Allowances and Conditions
· An annual 3% wage increase, 9% over the life of the agreement.
· Payment of allowances fortnightly rather than monthly, in line with
your base pay.
· An increase in the allowance paid to Cabin Crew Trainers and Cabin
Manager Coordinators who work on the ground, from $45 per week to $45
per day.
· The introduction of 10 weeks paid maternity leave instead of the
current arrangements where crew have to use their sick leave for
maternity leave. In return, leave will no longer accrue during the unpaid
period of maternity leave. Crew will also be able to take up to 52
weeks parental leave after the birth of their child. One weeks paid
paternity leave also applies under Australian Airlines policy.
· A $10 reimbursement when paxing over a meal period on an aircraft
that does not provide meals for example travel on Jetstar flights.
· Paid taxi transport home in home base after a duty period exceeding
14 hours for a distance of up to 25kms.
· Cabin Managers will be rostered to sign on 15 minutes earlier than
other crew for flights departing from their home base to recognise the
time spent preparing for briefings.
· An $200 per year allowance will be paid to non priority language
speakers at level 4 or above.
· Crew will be given access to salary sacrifice arrangements for
notebook computers. With the notebook computer, for example, this
means that crew can make this purchase from pre tax salary, substantially
reducing the real cost of the notebook.
· Cabin Managers will also have the ability to purchase a motor vehicle
on a novated lease as part of a Salary Sacrificing Package.
· Installation of improved soundproofing curtains for crew rest.
2. Greater Control Over Your Working Life
· Introduction of CrewNet ? a new Geneva module Australian Airlines
will purchase to facilitate trip swapping. This system will be available
from any Internet connection and give crew the opportunity to trip swap
with other crew on any trip they have on their roster using the
Geneva CrewNet system.
The current request system of 4 days every 3 months would be split,
ie 2 x 2 days every 3 roster periods, with an additional 4 day block
per calendar year. The effect for Cabin Crew would be that you can
request 2 days off, every roster, in ten out of twelve roster
periods over a 12 month cycle. You can still elect for the 4 days
to be taken in one block, in the 3 month roster cycle. This process
would also be written into the EBA.
· An increase in the guaranteed proportion of pure flying lines from
50% to 67% - on average, crew would only have stand-by days on their
roster, one in three roster period. This will reduce roster disruption.
· A guarantee in the EBA that crew will not be displaced in order to be
allocated to a reserve or stand-by line, and that crew who are
displaced and are placed on stand-by after completing the initial duty for
which they were displaced, will not then be allocated another
duty while on stand-by that would delay their return to their original
roster (except by agreement).
· Access to part time work for all crew categories with carer's
responsibilities or for other compassionate reasons.
· Staff returning from maternity leave will be entitled to work part
time for two years if they wish
· Ability to change you travel beneficiary every 6 months (currently
every 12 months)
3. A More Secure Future
· Australian Airlines wants to remove the current EBA restriction of
flying only 767 aircraft and flying within a 4 hour time zone east or
west of CNS. We believe these restrictions are not realistic for an
agreement that will last for three years. The Company wants to be in the
best position possible to pursue new flying and research new routes to
ensure our long-term viability.
· As part of this change Australian Airlines will guarantee a minimum
period at home base of 48 hours and two local nights for a tour of
duty involving east west flying exceeding a four-hour time zone change in
one direction. If Australian Airlines ever did consider flying to
Europe, we would also consider whether additional home rest was required.
· Australian Airlines has also offered to increase the current cap on
redundancy payments from 6 weeks to 15 weeks (that is, five years
service at three weeks per year of service).
What Australian Airlines Needs from You
· Australian Airlines wants to increase the maximum assigned weekly
hours from 40 to 43, without any change to monthly or annual caps. We
also want you to have the scope to extend this to 45 hours if you choose
to do so through roster swaps using CrewNet.
· In addition, Australian Airlines wants the option to roster you for
one 'early start' per roster period that does not have a 24 hour break
between duties, ie an early morning OOL, followed by an early
morning SYD. We also think that individual crew members
should be able to swap onto two early starts per roster period, if it is
by the crew members choice ie trip swaps.
and...from the FAAA
Attention all Australian Airlines Flight Attendants
ENTERPRISE BARGAINING UPDATE
The FAAA has been negotiating with Australian Airlines (AO) for over three months in an effort to reach agreement for the new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement II (EBA II).
At meetings of FAAA members employed by AO, flight attendants indicated that their two priorities were a fair wage increase and more say in rostering.
On Friday 17 December 2004 your FAAA representatives met with AO management again in an effort to reach agreement prior to the expiry of the current agreement. Unfortunately agreement was not reached on the FAAA proposal to address the issue of a fair wage increase and a rostering system that gives flight attendants more say in the when and how they work.
PAY INCREASE
The FAAA is seeking a new classification structure, which provides for a 4% incremental pay increases in the 3 rd and 4 th years of service. Under the FAAA wages proposal this 4% pay increase would be in addition to the 3% annual pay increase.
Most other airlines (including the Qantas Group) have incremental structures, which provide for yearly service increments beyond the current 2-year structure in the AO agreement. The current agreement only provides for 2 yearly increments because it was a start up agreement and no employee would have been eligible for a third or fourth year increment during the life of the current agreement.
In addition there is an estimated 30% gap between total wages (costs) of Australian Airlines and the only other International Airline (Qantas Long Haul (QF)) operating in Australia . The FAAA is trying to reduce the disparity between what Australian Airlines cabin crew are paid and what Qantas Long Haul cabin crew are paid for doing essentially the same work.
The company is also seeking to remove the current restrictions on East/West flying and the type of aircraft flown by AO crews. The FAAA position is that the company needs to address the issue of fair wages in comparison to QF Long Haul cabin crew if they want to remove all the restrictions.
The introduction of a 3 rd and 4 th year 4% pay increment (increase) would have addressed the unfair disparity in wages between QF and AO in a gradual and responsible manner also assisting Australian Airlines to retain experienced staff reducing unnecessary staff turnover.
ROSTERING
Australian Airlines cabin crew made it abundantly clear that they wanted more say over when and how they work. The FAAA put forward a proposal for a rotating preferential bidding system allowing crew to bid for trips and days off within the roster period. This proposal was not agreed by the company.
The company in turn put forward the current Geneva system, and an electronic roster swapping provision known as crew net.
The FAAA has not agreed to this proposal because in our view the system does not provide crew with more control, but only the hope that you may be able to swap your roster (which you can currently do anyway) if you can find someone to swap with.
The FAAA position is that we should have a preferential bidding system or at the very least the ability to bid for one trip per roster period and the ability to request days off for every roster period. This position was adopted by the FAAA because crew indicated this would allow them to plan their time off at home in the best way possible and give them some choice in the flying they do.
Can anyone tell me why AO is offerring the change of staff travel QEA beneficiaries every 6months as a bargaining tool when this is now standard across the whole QF group ????
1. Increased Wages , Allowances and Conditions
· An annual 3% wage increase, 9% over the life of the agreement.
· Payment of allowances fortnightly rather than monthly, in line with
your base pay.
· An increase in the allowance paid to Cabin Crew Trainers and Cabin
Manager Coordinators who work on the ground, from $45 per week to $45
per day.
· The introduction of 10 weeks paid maternity leave instead of the
current arrangements where crew have to use their sick leave for
maternity leave. In return, leave will no longer accrue during the unpaid
period of maternity leave. Crew will also be able to take up to 52
weeks parental leave after the birth of their child. One weeks paid
paternity leave also applies under Australian Airlines policy.
· A $10 reimbursement when paxing over a meal period on an aircraft
that does not provide meals for example travel on Jetstar flights.
· Paid taxi transport home in home base after a duty period exceeding
14 hours for a distance of up to 25kms.
· Cabin Managers will be rostered to sign on 15 minutes earlier than
other crew for flights departing from their home base to recognise the
time spent preparing for briefings.
· An $200 per year allowance will be paid to non priority language
speakers at level 4 or above.
· Crew will be given access to salary sacrifice arrangements for
notebook computers. With the notebook computer, for example, this
means that crew can make this purchase from pre tax salary, substantially
reducing the real cost of the notebook.
· Cabin Managers will also have the ability to purchase a motor vehicle
on a novated lease as part of a Salary Sacrificing Package.
· Installation of improved soundproofing curtains for crew rest.
2. Greater Control Over Your Working Life
· Introduction of CrewNet ? a new Geneva module Australian Airlines
will purchase to facilitate trip swapping. This system will be available
from any Internet connection and give crew the opportunity to trip swap
with other crew on any trip they have on their roster using the
Geneva CrewNet system.
The current request system of 4 days every 3 months would be split,
ie 2 x 2 days every 3 roster periods, with an additional 4 day block
per calendar year. The effect for Cabin Crew would be that you can
request 2 days off, every roster, in ten out of twelve roster
periods over a 12 month cycle. You can still elect for the 4 days
to be taken in one block, in the 3 month roster cycle. This process
would also be written into the EBA.
· An increase in the guaranteed proportion of pure flying lines from
50% to 67% - on average, crew would only have stand-by days on their
roster, one in three roster period. This will reduce roster disruption.
· A guarantee in the EBA that crew will not be displaced in order to be
allocated to a reserve or stand-by line, and that crew who are
displaced and are placed on stand-by after completing the initial duty for
which they were displaced, will not then be allocated another
duty while on stand-by that would delay their return to their original
roster (except by agreement).
· Access to part time work for all crew categories with carer's
responsibilities or for other compassionate reasons.
· Staff returning from maternity leave will be entitled to work part
time for two years if they wish
· Ability to change you travel beneficiary every 6 months (currently
every 12 months)
3. A More Secure Future
· Australian Airlines wants to remove the current EBA restriction of
flying only 767 aircraft and flying within a 4 hour time zone east or
west of CNS. We believe these restrictions are not realistic for an
agreement that will last for three years. The Company wants to be in the
best position possible to pursue new flying and research new routes to
ensure our long-term viability.
· As part of this change Australian Airlines will guarantee a minimum
period at home base of 48 hours and two local nights for a tour of
duty involving east west flying exceeding a four-hour time zone change in
one direction. If Australian Airlines ever did consider flying to
Europe, we would also consider whether additional home rest was required.
· Australian Airlines has also offered to increase the current cap on
redundancy payments from 6 weeks to 15 weeks (that is, five years
service at three weeks per year of service).
What Australian Airlines Needs from You
· Australian Airlines wants to increase the maximum assigned weekly
hours from 40 to 43, without any change to monthly or annual caps. We
also want you to have the scope to extend this to 45 hours if you choose
to do so through roster swaps using CrewNet.
· In addition, Australian Airlines wants the option to roster you for
one 'early start' per roster period that does not have a 24 hour break
between duties, ie an early morning OOL, followed by an early
morning SYD. We also think that individual crew members
should be able to swap onto two early starts per roster period, if it is
by the crew members choice ie trip swaps.
and...from the FAAA
Attention all Australian Airlines Flight Attendants
ENTERPRISE BARGAINING UPDATE
The FAAA has been negotiating with Australian Airlines (AO) for over three months in an effort to reach agreement for the new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement II (EBA II).
At meetings of FAAA members employed by AO, flight attendants indicated that their two priorities were a fair wage increase and more say in rostering.
On Friday 17 December 2004 your FAAA representatives met with AO management again in an effort to reach agreement prior to the expiry of the current agreement. Unfortunately agreement was not reached on the FAAA proposal to address the issue of a fair wage increase and a rostering system that gives flight attendants more say in the when and how they work.
PAY INCREASE
The FAAA is seeking a new classification structure, which provides for a 4% incremental pay increases in the 3 rd and 4 th years of service. Under the FAAA wages proposal this 4% pay increase would be in addition to the 3% annual pay increase.
Most other airlines (including the Qantas Group) have incremental structures, which provide for yearly service increments beyond the current 2-year structure in the AO agreement. The current agreement only provides for 2 yearly increments because it was a start up agreement and no employee would have been eligible for a third or fourth year increment during the life of the current agreement.
In addition there is an estimated 30% gap between total wages (costs) of Australian Airlines and the only other International Airline (Qantas Long Haul (QF)) operating in Australia . The FAAA is trying to reduce the disparity between what Australian Airlines cabin crew are paid and what Qantas Long Haul cabin crew are paid for doing essentially the same work.
The company is also seeking to remove the current restrictions on East/West flying and the type of aircraft flown by AO crews. The FAAA position is that the company needs to address the issue of fair wages in comparison to QF Long Haul cabin crew if they want to remove all the restrictions.
The introduction of a 3 rd and 4 th year 4% pay increment (increase) would have addressed the unfair disparity in wages between QF and AO in a gradual and responsible manner also assisting Australian Airlines to retain experienced staff reducing unnecessary staff turnover.
ROSTERING
Australian Airlines cabin crew made it abundantly clear that they wanted more say over when and how they work. The FAAA put forward a proposal for a rotating preferential bidding system allowing crew to bid for trips and days off within the roster period. This proposal was not agreed by the company.
The company in turn put forward the current Geneva system, and an electronic roster swapping provision known as crew net.
The FAAA has not agreed to this proposal because in our view the system does not provide crew with more control, but only the hope that you may be able to swap your roster (which you can currently do anyway) if you can find someone to swap with.
The FAAA position is that we should have a preferential bidding system or at the very least the ability to bid for one trip per roster period and the ability to request days off for every roster period. This position was adopted by the FAAA because crew indicated this would allow them to plan their time off at home in the best way possible and give them some choice in the flying they do.
Can anyone tell me why AO is offerring the change of staff travel QEA beneficiaries every 6months as a bargaining tool when this is now standard across the whole QF group ????
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: AUSTRALIA
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Biscuit Chucker,
J class will never be introduced at AO as it does not fit the business model. Remember... AO is all economy full service international holiday carrier. ( 271 seats on the 767-300ER)
My guess is that Shanghai and other asian ports will be added over the next 2 years. But new aircraft and EU ports is a big deal and would take some time to introduce. The next 763 delivery isn't scheduled until Nov 2005.
Interesting times ahead.
Regards
Skywalker
J class will never be introduced at AO as it does not fit the business model. Remember... AO is all economy full service international holiday carrier. ( 271 seats on the 767-300ER)
My guess is that Shanghai and other asian ports will be added over the next 2 years. But new aircraft and EU ports is a big deal and would take some time to introduce. The next 763 delivery isn't scheduled until Nov 2005.
Interesting times ahead.
Regards
Skywalker
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Sydney
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I heard recently that the refurbished 743 will not have the skybed as QF intend to transfer that aircraft over to AO. When I heard that I thought no way but after reading the above it now wouldnt surprise me.
If I was an AO crew member I would be getting that additional time issue in home base after European trips sorted out before the EBA is voted up, the last thing you need is to commence European flying only to be told we were only going to "consider" additional time at home and we all know if they are prepared to put European flying into your EBA they are prepared to start such flying.
Maybe J/C wasnt in the original business plan but I think you will find the original business plan was working on one (1) aircraft type as well and I highly doubt European routes were intergrated into the original plan either. If the EBA is voted up I think the QF men will quickly be reworking that plan apart from the wage costs of course.
If I was an AO crew member I would be getting that additional time issue in home base after European trips sorted out before the EBA is voted up, the last thing you need is to commence European flying only to be told we were only going to "consider" additional time at home and we all know if they are prepared to put European flying into your EBA they are prepared to start such flying.
Maybe J/C wasnt in the original business plan but I think you will find the original business plan was working on one (1) aircraft type as well and I highly doubt European routes were intergrated into the original plan either. If the EBA is voted up I think the QF men will quickly be reworking that plan apart from the wage costs of course.
Last edited by GalleyHag; 7th Jan 2005 at 09:18.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The time and pay issue is a serious one and I can assure you that AO crew are not backing down. If AO want the crew to work harder and longer they should renumerate them as such. They are the only department of AO that face the customers and provide the service which makes the punters return and compliment the airline. Credit is due.
A confirmed rumour is that AO are seriously investigating SYD-HNL-YVR. This was a route which QF dropped, however one that AO could make money on competing with Air Canada.
AO do not want the classics ( 743's ). Don't panic Biscuit Chucker.
**************************************************
A confirmed rumour is that AO are seriously investigating SYD-HNL-YVR. This was a route which QF dropped, however one that AO could make money on competing with Air Canada.
AO do not want the classics ( 743's ). Don't panic Biscuit Chucker.
**************************************************
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Heaven
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lotsa Ports
I can see a time when AO flies into lots of old QF destinations....ATH FCO YVR TPE maybe even the gulf.If they want to remove the east west time zone constraints you can bet that they are broadening their options.
The way GOD is going QF will be an internet site and an oxidized plaque on an old building in Mascot.The dismantling of the brand has begun and is gathering pace...buy the T-Shirt now!!
The sad thing is the punters don`t give a rats rissole being driven solely by price.
I fear the best years are behind us.I think Bisciut Chucker is right to worry,why else would Simon Brown and Gordon McCurdy be in AO management?.Both are well versed in the running of a longhaul operation.
The way GOD is going QF will be an internet site and an oxidized plaque on an old building in Mascot.The dismantling of the brand has begun and is gathering pace...buy the T-Shirt now!!
The sad thing is the punters don`t give a rats rissole being driven solely by price.
I fear the best years are behind us.I think Bisciut Chucker is right to worry,why else would Simon Brown and Gordon McCurdy be in AO management?.Both are well versed in the running of a longhaul operation.
Last edited by DEFCON4; 8th Jan 2005 at 07:19.
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: In a box, ready for shipping...
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Before this thread takes a turn for the worst, and as someone who has experienced something similar at Jetstar, I would like to make the following very clear...
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT start this "Oh, Australian crew are taking our destinations. Australian crew are taking our airplanes..." nonsense.
When Jetstar was announced, and right up to start date, QantasLink/Jetstar crew were badgered ad nauseam by some very ill-informed Short Haul and Long Haul folk when paxing around the network (sometimes even as they exited the toilet), about how we were 'stealing THEIR destinations', and 'stealing their flying'. Like WE were the ones making the decisions at Board level.
These decisions, about who flies where and on what, have NOTHING to do with the crew except where it influences their Agreement. AND - if they choose to accept any change, that is their entitlement.
Don't be fooled anybody - this is a very different world and industry we're in now. Australian crew aren't going to vote an EBA down just because Long Haul don't like it. Regardless, there are many experienced individuals from many airlines at AO who are more than capable of standing up for themselves and their airline.
Not having a go at any one person (making that VERY clear), but am just waiting for the inevitable "oh, those Australian crew stole my European trips" nonsense that usually springs up when someone engages computer before brain.
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT start this "Oh, Australian crew are taking our destinations. Australian crew are taking our airplanes..." nonsense.
When Jetstar was announced, and right up to start date, QantasLink/Jetstar crew were badgered ad nauseam by some very ill-informed Short Haul and Long Haul folk when paxing around the network (sometimes even as they exited the toilet), about how we were 'stealing THEIR destinations', and 'stealing their flying'. Like WE were the ones making the decisions at Board level.
These decisions, about who flies where and on what, have NOTHING to do with the crew except where it influences their Agreement. AND - if they choose to accept any change, that is their entitlement.
Don't be fooled anybody - this is a very different world and industry we're in now. Australian crew aren't going to vote an EBA down just because Long Haul don't like it. Regardless, there are many experienced individuals from many airlines at AO who are more than capable of standing up for themselves and their airline.
Not having a go at any one person (making that VERY clear), but am just waiting for the inevitable "oh, those Australian crew stole my European trips" nonsense that usually springs up when someone engages computer before brain.
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Heaven
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Clarification
Let me be quite clear...I deplore crew having a go at one another over anything.Any thing I may say in this forum is directed at the intellectually and morally bankrupt management of Qantas Mainline.
All flight attendants do the same job irrespective of which division the work for.Destinations and who services them are decided by the imbeciles at the top.My issue is with them.
Good luck to AO crew if they get to go to these wonderful destinations
All flight attendants do the same job irrespective of which division the work for.Destinations and who services them are decided by the imbeciles at the top.My issue is with them.
Good luck to AO crew if they get to go to these wonderful destinations
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: In a box, ready for shipping...
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Any thing I may say in this forum is directed at the intellectually and morally bankrupt management of Qantas Mainline.
Intellectually and morally bankrupt? Surely not!
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Headline - Qantas may be about to quit some routes
from todays paper
Qantas subsidiary Australian Airlines is pushing for its flight attendants to fly longer routes, prompting speculation Qantas wants to cede more of its struggling international routes to the low-cost carrier it set up in 2002.
Talks between Australian Airlines and the Flight Attendants Association over a new enterprise bargaining agreement have hit a snag, partly over the airline's plans to tear up an agreement that restricted its 300 flight attendants to destinations within a four-hour time zone of Cairns.
"That obviously means their intention is to fly their crews longer range, and if that's the case the crews have to be remunerated like other long haul cabin crews," said the FAAA's international division secretary, Michael Mijatov.
Australian's cabin crews get a maximum salary of $40,000 a year and the FAAA wants extra pay brackets.
The breakdown in talks has raised fears of strike action.
There is talk Australian Airlines would take over Qantas' service to Honolulu (20 hours behind Cairns) and introduce flights to India (41/2 hours behind). Mr Mijatov said the union would not oppose the removal of the four-hour time zone cap if the airline offered better pay rates.
However, Qantas head of human resources Kevin Brown said he found it "utterly puzzling" the FAAA would not agree to remove the time zone cap, opening up new growth opportunities and markets.
He said Australian's fleet could fly beyond the four-hour time zone limit, but he said the airline no immediate plans to expand its routes.
CommSec analyst Matt Crowe said Australian's expansion plans might have been reinvigorated by the recent success Jetstar has had in taking over Qantas' low-yielding domestic leisure oriented routes.
"They (Qantas) have got to look at addressing some of the areas where they do not make money and putting in low-cost services is one way of doing it," Mr Crowe said.
Qantas subsidiary Australian Airlines is pushing for its flight attendants to fly longer routes, prompting speculation Qantas wants to cede more of its struggling international routes to the low-cost carrier it set up in 2002.
Talks between Australian Airlines and the Flight Attendants Association over a new enterprise bargaining agreement have hit a snag, partly over the airline's plans to tear up an agreement that restricted its 300 flight attendants to destinations within a four-hour time zone of Cairns.
"That obviously means their intention is to fly their crews longer range, and if that's the case the crews have to be remunerated like other long haul cabin crews," said the FAAA's international division secretary, Michael Mijatov.
Australian's cabin crews get a maximum salary of $40,000 a year and the FAAA wants extra pay brackets.
The breakdown in talks has raised fears of strike action.
There is talk Australian Airlines would take over Qantas' service to Honolulu (20 hours behind Cairns) and introduce flights to India (41/2 hours behind). Mr Mijatov said the union would not oppose the removal of the four-hour time zone cap if the airline offered better pay rates.
However, Qantas head of human resources Kevin Brown said he found it "utterly puzzling" the FAAA would not agree to remove the time zone cap, opening up new growth opportunities and markets.
He said Australian's fleet could fly beyond the four-hour time zone limit, but he said the airline no immediate plans to expand its routes.
CommSec analyst Matt Crowe said Australian's expansion plans might have been reinvigorated by the recent success Jetstar has had in taking over Qantas' low-yielding domestic leisure oriented routes.
"They (Qantas) have got to look at addressing some of the areas where they do not make money and putting in low-cost services is one way of doing it," Mr Crowe said.
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Townsville,Nth Queensland
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AAP
Airline staff may strike over pay
Date: 13/01/05
By Samantha Baden and Amy Coopes
Cabin crew at Australian Airlines could be on strike within a week because of a pay and rostering dispute.
Enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) negotiations between the Flight Attendants Association of Australia (FAAA) and Qantas, the parent company of Australian Airlines, have broken down.
FAAA spokesman Michael Mijatov said a strike may soon be called.
"It could happen as early as next week," Mr Mijatov said.
"We want further discussion with the company to resolve these issues ... we may call those (stopwork) meetings and ask what further action they (the staff) want to take."
The previous EBA ran out on December 31 and the union is attempting to negotiate a new three year deal.
But Qantas accused the FAAA of "holding a gun" to consumers heads, and said they would not concede to the union's demands.
"(The union's) asks are unsustainable and impossible for us to respond to," Qantas' head of corporate communications Kevin Brown told AAP.
"We had understood the union were going to come back and were going to give us some feedback on the position that we had put on the table.
"We set up a meeting and then, somewhat to our surprise, they chose to go out to the media and put a gun to the customer's head, frankly."
While Qantas was hopeful negotiations could resume, Mr Brown said the airline would not concede to Australian Airlines staff demands, including better control of their rosters and a 17 per cent payrise over three years.
"We're not going to give them the payrise they're asking for, we're not going to give them the bidding system where staff determine where they fly and when they fly," he said.
Mr Mijatov said Australian Airlines was the only airline where cabin crew did not have any control over their rosters.
He said the union was also asking for a total eight per cent pay rise for cabin staff as a result of the time zones they must cross on domestic and international flights.
"The other primary issue is that they started out two years ago as a start-up airline and they started up on the basis of using six or seven aircraft, being a one class aircraft," he said.
"The other restriction is that they were only allowed to have four time changes (a shift), and that is to Cairns and WA.
"Now the company wants to lift that restriction so that they can fly anywhere.
"We don't have a problem with that, but with lifting that restriction means that they are obviously concentrating their cabin crew to do more long range kind of work and we say that they should be remunerated accordingly."
Mr Brown said he would not let customers be held hostage by the union.
"I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure that doesn't happen," he said.
"Certainly the rhetoric at the moment says anything but resolution, in the midst of unrealistic demands and, frankly, threatening behaviour towards our customers.
"But I hope commonsense will prevail ... the door is always open."
Approximately 300 cabin crew work for Australian Airlines, which was formed in October 2002 as a Cairns-based budget international airline, carrying passengers between Australia and a range of Asian destinations.
Copyright © 2005 AAP
============================================
Airline staff may strike over pay
Date: 13/01/05
By Samantha Baden and Amy Coopes
Cabin crew at Australian Airlines could be on strike within a week because of a pay and rostering dispute.
Enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) negotiations between the Flight Attendants Association of Australia (FAAA) and Qantas, the parent company of Australian Airlines, have broken down.
FAAA spokesman Michael Mijatov said a strike may soon be called.
"It could happen as early as next week," Mr Mijatov said.
"We want further discussion with the company to resolve these issues ... we may call those (stopwork) meetings and ask what further action they (the staff) want to take."
The previous EBA ran out on December 31 and the union is attempting to negotiate a new three year deal.
But Qantas accused the FAAA of "holding a gun" to consumers heads, and said they would not concede to the union's demands.
"(The union's) asks are unsustainable and impossible for us to respond to," Qantas' head of corporate communications Kevin Brown told AAP.
"We had understood the union were going to come back and were going to give us some feedback on the position that we had put on the table.
"We set up a meeting and then, somewhat to our surprise, they chose to go out to the media and put a gun to the customer's head, frankly."
While Qantas was hopeful negotiations could resume, Mr Brown said the airline would not concede to Australian Airlines staff demands, including better control of their rosters and a 17 per cent payrise over three years.
"We're not going to give them the payrise they're asking for, we're not going to give them the bidding system where staff determine where they fly and when they fly," he said.
Mr Mijatov said Australian Airlines was the only airline where cabin crew did not have any control over their rosters.
He said the union was also asking for a total eight per cent pay rise for cabin staff as a result of the time zones they must cross on domestic and international flights.
"The other primary issue is that they started out two years ago as a start-up airline and they started up on the basis of using six or seven aircraft, being a one class aircraft," he said.
"The other restriction is that they were only allowed to have four time changes (a shift), and that is to Cairns and WA.
"Now the company wants to lift that restriction so that they can fly anywhere.
"We don't have a problem with that, but with lifting that restriction means that they are obviously concentrating their cabin crew to do more long range kind of work and we say that they should be remunerated accordingly."
Mr Brown said he would not let customers be held hostage by the union.
"I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure that doesn't happen," he said.
"Certainly the rhetoric at the moment says anything but resolution, in the midst of unrealistic demands and, frankly, threatening behaviour towards our customers.
"But I hope commonsense will prevail ... the door is always open."
Approximately 300 cabin crew work for Australian Airlines, which was formed in October 2002 as a Cairns-based budget international airline, carrying passengers between Australia and a range of Asian destinations.
Copyright © 2005 AAP
============================================
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Sydney
Age: 64
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe it should be pointed out to Mr Brown that the reason that AO was able to start up in the first place at cheap pay rates was that it was restricted to where it could fly to avoid it coming in and stealing work from long and short haul crew.
To now say that the FAAA is being unreasonable is in itself totally unreasonable!
If he gets his way we will have JetScar and Australian Cheaplines doing the lot - goodbye to the red roo!
To now say that the FAAA is being unreasonable is in itself totally unreasonable!
If he gets his way we will have JetScar and Australian Cheaplines doing the lot - goodbye to the red roo!
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: fnq
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
QFcsm...would you get off the bitter bus and go back to the LON base forum...this site is about AO crew discussing our own EBA....
I'm all for the stop work meeting. With the likelihood of future flying consisting of east/west routes, we need to stand up now or reget it later.
I'm all for the stop work meeting. With the likelihood of future flying consisting of east/west routes, we need to stand up now or reget it later.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Australia
Posts: 756
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
qfcsm -
"Jetscar and Australian Cheaplines" cabin crew are far more productive than other divisions... Got you worried, does it?
Having said that I think you will find neither employee group willing to expand beyond their existing realms without being paid accordingly. So no need to worry, Petal.
AO crew -
We at JQ are right there with you. It would seem QF wants something for nothing and for us to screw over colleagues in other divisions. When with QF realise that is not the 'Australian Way'.... (Pardon the pun!)
You guys are not asking for anything excessive other than fair pay. Good on you for sticking up for yourselves! QF are making it seem like you are out to get the customers. Since when is asking for REASONABLE renumeration "holding customers hostage", as QF put it?
JQ want us to operate back-of-clock, lose a day off and increase our daily duty hours to be equal to that of Short Haul.
If QF wants to compare JQ to Short Haul, or AO to Long Haul then... PAY AND CONDITIONS IS A GREAT PLACE TO START!
Or should we all just take it for QF for the love of our jobs and the Company? Yeah right
"Jetscar and Australian Cheaplines" cabin crew are far more productive than other divisions... Got you worried, does it?
Having said that I think you will find neither employee group willing to expand beyond their existing realms without being paid accordingly. So no need to worry, Petal.
AO crew -
We at JQ are right there with you. It would seem QF wants something for nothing and for us to screw over colleagues in other divisions. When with QF realise that is not the 'Australian Way'.... (Pardon the pun!)
You guys are not asking for anything excessive other than fair pay. Good on you for sticking up for yourselves! QF are making it seem like you are out to get the customers. Since when is asking for REASONABLE renumeration "holding customers hostage", as QF put it?
JQ want us to operate back-of-clock, lose a day off and increase our daily duty hours to be equal to that of Short Haul.
If QF wants to compare JQ to Short Haul, or AO to Long Haul then... PAY AND CONDITIONS IS A GREAT PLACE TO START!
Or should we all just take it for QF for the love of our jobs and the Company? Yeah right
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mr McKirdy
I don't think many crew really care for the PBS ...but the pay increase is one which we will not back down on. If they want us to fly longer trips and have our body clocks totally whacked then they need to offer more money. Please note that what AO crew are asking for is 3% increase per year and on 3rd and 4th year of employment an extra 4% on top of the 3%. That is not much to ask as crew will have certainly shown their loyalty and worked hard by reaching that stage of service for the company. The 3% offer per year doesn't even cover inflation.
One particular member of AO management who claims to understand crew needs ( but yet can't look them in the eye whenever he talks to them mind you ) sent crew a letter with what I believe some threatening remarks...
QUOTE
Excuse me ? The impact it could have on me as an individual ? I certainly hope this comment is in relations to wages sir ? I hope you are not suggesting promotion to CM position or other would be jepoardised by striking ? Because that would be discriminatory Mr McKirdy. Also asking for 4% extra after the 3rd and 4th year of service is surely giving AO enough time to grow out of its " Infancy " as you put it.
Would AO like to tell the public how much they save per year by getting the flight attendants to do the passport reconciliation at boarding time rather than getting QF ground staff to do it ? I heard it was a 6 digit figure.
AO crew understand what the company needs to survive, we understand the business model and we certainly don't want any harm to our GREAT company. But it is in your best interest to have another look at the wage situation - we deserve it.
One particular member of AO management who claims to understand crew needs ( but yet can't look them in the eye whenever he talks to them mind you ) sent crew a letter with what I believe some threatening remarks...
QUOTE
I felt the need to write to each of you to express my disappointment with the outcome of the recent meetings held between the FAAA and its membership, and also at the resolution that was passed at these meetings.
I need to make this very clear to each of you. The 9% on offer for the next three years is all we can afford. We are still in our infancy and are not prepared to jeopardise the future of our airline by giving more than we can
afford.
afford.
I would ask each of you to consider the following -
2. The impact that this action would have on your colleagues.
3. The impact this action could have on you as an individual
2. The impact that this action would have on your colleagues.
3. The impact this action could have on you as an individual
Would AO like to tell the public how much they save per year by getting the flight attendants to do the passport reconciliation at boarding time rather than getting QF ground staff to do it ? I heard it was a 6 digit figure.
AO crew understand what the company needs to survive, we understand the business model and we certainly don't want any harm to our GREAT company. But it is in your best interest to have another look at the wage situation - we deserve it.
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Oztralia, near MEL
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm currently an outsider to the industry and as such have no bones to pick with anyone or any organisation but I was just browsing the thread and can't help but comment.
I quote from Sonique's Post:
* An annual 3% wage increase - WOW thats more than CPI.
* Payment of allowances fortnightly rather than monthly - Great, it means you need less working capital in the bank to get you through the month
* ..... from $45 per week to $45 per day - WOW a FIVE times increase
* 10 weeks paid maternity leave - This is truely extrodinary in Australia.
* One weeks paid paternity leave - again, unheard of in Australia
* access to salary sacrifice arrangements for notebook computers - Thats a decent saving if you want one.
* purchase a motor vehicle on a novated lease - another big save
* facilitate trip swapping - Fantastic!! Most employers would be horrified at the potential for stuffing up rosters that this allows.
One the other side of the coin:
* remove the current EBA restriction of flying only 767 aircraft and flying within a 4 hour time zone - I dont see any downside here.
* minimum period at home base of 48 hours and two local nights - So you get to have your "weekend"
* cap on redundancy payments from 6 weeks to 15 weeks - most industries offer only 1 week per 12 months of service.
* assigned weekly hours from 40 to 43 - Hey, I can't remember when I last only worked 43 hours, and anything over the 40 mark isn't paid either.
* 'early start' per roster period that does not have a 24 hour break - Again, most industries only allow a 10 hour break between shift changes.
This sounds like its all to good to be true to me..... where to I sign up?
And then I read a bit further and see a lot of grumbles...... People, you need to get out more, experience the real world and you will appreciate just how good your current job is. I say this without bias but with some increduality (is that a word?) that you don't appreciate just how good you have it.
I quote from Sonique's Post:
* An annual 3% wage increase - WOW thats more than CPI.
* Payment of allowances fortnightly rather than monthly - Great, it means you need less working capital in the bank to get you through the month
* ..... from $45 per week to $45 per day - WOW a FIVE times increase
* 10 weeks paid maternity leave - This is truely extrodinary in Australia.
* One weeks paid paternity leave - again, unheard of in Australia
* access to salary sacrifice arrangements for notebook computers - Thats a decent saving if you want one.
* purchase a motor vehicle on a novated lease - another big save
* facilitate trip swapping - Fantastic!! Most employers would be horrified at the potential for stuffing up rosters that this allows.
One the other side of the coin:
* remove the current EBA restriction of flying only 767 aircraft and flying within a 4 hour time zone - I dont see any downside here.
* minimum period at home base of 48 hours and two local nights - So you get to have your "weekend"
* cap on redundancy payments from 6 weeks to 15 weeks - most industries offer only 1 week per 12 months of service.
* assigned weekly hours from 40 to 43 - Hey, I can't remember when I last only worked 43 hours, and anything over the 40 mark isn't paid either.
* 'early start' per roster period that does not have a 24 hour break - Again, most industries only allow a 10 hour break between shift changes.
This sounds like its all to good to be true to me..... where to I sign up?
And then I read a bit further and see a lot of grumbles...... People, you need to get out more, experience the real world and you will appreciate just how good your current job is. I say this without bias but with some increduality (is that a word?) that you don't appreciate just how good you have it.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For an outsider you seem to know a lot about the industry - pass our regards on to Gordon when you see him.
I think you may need some further education on the remarks you made.
$45 week to $45 per day ( This is for the lucky few who undertake some ground duties...i.e - training of new crew etc. This means 3-4 of the same people getting this allowance as they are trainers. What does this mean for general cabin crew? NOTHING )
10 weeks maternity leave ( pfft brings it in to line with the QF group. Not applicable to all crew )
Salary sacrifice for notebook ( pfft already have one, all crew have notebooks anyway as we are away from home a lot and use these to keep in touch and swap trips )
Salary Sarifice for motor vehicle ( pfft only applies to CABIN MANAGERS. What does this mean for general cabin crew ? NOTHING )
Facilitate trip swapping ( pffffffffft ! We already do it on paper anyhow and have a crew website to swap. All that the proposed crewnet system will do is eliminate the need for paper shuffling in the roster department )
As for grumbling...far from it...we love our jobs...we love this industry. This is why we are so passionate about it. And.... YES we have all worked in other industries and other airlines so we know how lucky we are....But , we also know how lucky AO management have had it so far with us.
I think you may need some further education on the remarks you made.
$45 week to $45 per day ( This is for the lucky few who undertake some ground duties...i.e - training of new crew etc. This means 3-4 of the same people getting this allowance as they are trainers. What does this mean for general cabin crew? NOTHING )
10 weeks maternity leave ( pfft brings it in to line with the QF group. Not applicable to all crew )
Salary sacrifice for notebook ( pfft already have one, all crew have notebooks anyway as we are away from home a lot and use these to keep in touch and swap trips )
Salary Sarifice for motor vehicle ( pfft only applies to CABIN MANAGERS. What does this mean for general cabin crew ? NOTHING )
Facilitate trip swapping ( pffffffffft ! We already do it on paper anyhow and have a crew website to swap. All that the proposed crewnet system will do is eliminate the need for paper shuffling in the roster department )
As for grumbling...far from it...we love our jobs...we love this industry. This is why we are so passionate about it. And.... YES we have all worked in other industries and other airlines so we know how lucky we are....But , we also know how lucky AO management have had it so far with us.
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Sydney
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Feeton Terrafirma,
Thanks! You have just said everything that I was going across my mind.
To all you AO crew, No offence intended but I still think you have it quite well. I can't help but to think that you obviously had no idea of what to what to expect when you commenced emplyment with AO.
I just want to put some points in to perspective.
Dont' forget that Australian airline is a Low cost, all economy, leisure airline servicing low yield destinations, which Qantas probably couldn't operate profitably on previously. If it didn't previously operate on those routes such as Sapparo then its low cost model can allow it to do so.
Low cost = Cost cutting = Lower pay for staff. (bingo!)
Hello??? What were you seriously expecting? This is the entire concept behind the low-cost model. You dont get paid as much as an average full service airline flight attendant.
After fuel, employees are one of the largest cost to any airline. So your fate is already written. They will do anything to reduce it, to increase thier profits.
I'am sure most of you would have done your homework before you even considered applying to the airline. If not, Qantas is still an option or go and work in Europe and see what is like to get paid peanuts for the amount of work you do, if you think you have it bad. The work-to-pay ratio is nothing near AO.
In the 2003-2004 financial year the AO group only made a $1.1m profit. That is peanuts considering that AO is involved in the Aviation Industry. One would think why go through all this hassel and continue Airline operations for $1.1 annual profit??
But on the other side $1.1m profit is still better than a loss. The airline is still in its Growth stages, its relatively quite small. If you all want to still have a job at the end of the day then I think you need to co-operate and be more realistic.
I'am sure you are all hardworking loyal people and deserve what is best. But given the circumstances I think you should really think twice and realise that with such low profit margins you may be asking for a little too much and pushing the airline to its limits.
Removing the current EBA restriction of flying only 767 aircraft and flying within a 4 hour time zone, I personally see that as an advantage. It's the airlines first step to initiate its growth strategy, which would increase yields and so on.
Hey, you would probably have a roster similiar to Qantas crew then, where you work longer hours and get more time off during your bid periods and more money in your pocket.
Seriously guys, if an industrial action was to take place it can have a detrimental effect on the airline and hence affect your future employment with the airline. If the AO goes bust, because of extra costs you will all be left without a job.
Don't take things for granted. I'am sure all your efforts will be rewarded as soon as the airline can do something about its yields.
Just my opinion.
Thanks! You have just said everything that I was going across my mind.
To all you AO crew, No offence intended but I still think you have it quite well. I can't help but to think that you obviously had no idea of what to what to expect when you commenced emplyment with AO.
I just want to put some points in to perspective.
Dont' forget that Australian airline is a Low cost, all economy, leisure airline servicing low yield destinations, which Qantas probably couldn't operate profitably on previously. If it didn't previously operate on those routes such as Sapparo then its low cost model can allow it to do so.
Low cost = Cost cutting = Lower pay for staff. (bingo!)
Hello??? What were you seriously expecting? This is the entire concept behind the low-cost model. You dont get paid as much as an average full service airline flight attendant.
After fuel, employees are one of the largest cost to any airline. So your fate is already written. They will do anything to reduce it, to increase thier profits.
I'am sure most of you would have done your homework before you even considered applying to the airline. If not, Qantas is still an option or go and work in Europe and see what is like to get paid peanuts for the amount of work you do, if you think you have it bad. The work-to-pay ratio is nothing near AO.
In the 2003-2004 financial year the AO group only made a $1.1m profit. That is peanuts considering that AO is involved in the Aviation Industry. One would think why go through all this hassel and continue Airline operations for $1.1 annual profit??
But on the other side $1.1m profit is still better than a loss. The airline is still in its Growth stages, its relatively quite small. If you all want to still have a job at the end of the day then I think you need to co-operate and be more realistic.
I'am sure you are all hardworking loyal people and deserve what is best. But given the circumstances I think you should really think twice and realise that with such low profit margins you may be asking for a little too much and pushing the airline to its limits.
Removing the current EBA restriction of flying only 767 aircraft and flying within a 4 hour time zone, I personally see that as an advantage. It's the airlines first step to initiate its growth strategy, which would increase yields and so on.
Hey, you would probably have a roster similiar to Qantas crew then, where you work longer hours and get more time off during your bid periods and more money in your pocket.
Seriously guys, if an industrial action was to take place it can have a detrimental effect on the airline and hence affect your future employment with the airline. If the AO goes bust, because of extra costs you will all be left without a job.
Don't take things for granted. I'am sure all your efforts will be rewarded as soon as the airline can do something about its yields.
Just my opinion.