Friday 6 Dec 2019
To be attributed to Jetstar Group CEO, Gareth Evans:
It is deeply disappointing that the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) is threatening to disrupt the holiday plans of tens of thousands of Australians at the busiest travel time of the year.
The AFAP is demanding the equivalent of a 15 per cent pay increase in the first year.
The union’s demands would put significant pressure on the low fares our customers rely on and force us to review our investment in new aircraft, new technology and new destinations.
Our captains earn on average over $300,000 a year and we are offering a three per cent annual increase.
This is 40 per cent above Australia’s annual wage growth and consistent with our position across the Qantas and Jetstar Groups.
We remain committed to reaching a new agreement to support the great work our pilots do every day, but not any cost.
Strong arm tactics from the AFAP will not change our position on this.
We will do everything we can to protect the travel plans of our customers and minimise the disruption to their journeys.
However, customers may face delays and cancelled flights if the union choose to take industrial action.
With less than 20 days until Christmas, we say to the union: come to the table with a reasonable offer that is fair for pilots and which also ensures the future of low fares travel for Australians. Do not put the holiday plans of tens of thousands of Australians in doubt.
Ground crew ballot
We are surprised the TWU pursued a protected action ballot given they only provided their full list of claims two weeks before applying to take this step.
It’s important to understand less than half our total ground crew voted to take action.
We have also offered this work group a 3% annual wage increase.
The impact of any potential industrial action by members of the TWU is likely to be minimal as we have strong contingency plans in place.
