Notice 021/2016 – VARA WA E.A Update

By now members would have received the correct VARA EA offer via email from your employer. The ALAEA/reps did not and cannot legally endorse the EA.  The only “body of people” that can endorse the EA are members/employees.  The Association/reps only agreed that the EA could be distributed so members could inspect and legally/democratically vote on the EA, as per the Fair Work Act 2009.

Overview

This EA was negotiated from March 2015 to July 2016, encompassing about 20 meetings at Welshpool with the ALAEA/reps and VA/VARA management. Significant background issues created major challenges such as VA take-over of SkyWest, a total rewrite of new EA, Part 66 new classification structure, F50’s decommissioning, turnover of reps/management and potential impact by the proposed merger of VT/VARA.

Some Key EA Issues

• Aircraft Ground Handling – see clause 14.4 (a) and (b) of the proposed EA.

• At some time in the future VA/VARA may introduce a night shift.  In clause 41.4 (a) and (b) of the proposed EA are protections for members. Consultation and 50% plus 1 vote for impacted workforce must occur prior to night shift being able to be legally implemented.

• Cat A regulated similar to VT EA and recognised as entry level LAME 1.

• 12 levels reduced to Part 66 – 5 levels for LAMEs.  3 Levels for AMEs with defined career path.

• 4 year term.

• Wage increases are 2% PA – 4% up front of which 2% of the total 4% represents back pay.
• Annual pay increases under this Agreement will be paid from the first pay after the Agreement comes in place then each July for those employees who are not red circled.

EA Comparison Chart Estimation as a Result of Part 66 and Wages

Where to from here

The company has a legal obligation to;

• Distribute the EA with 7 clear days prior to the vote by members/employees. 

• Provide correspondence and information sessions. In this case an electronic vote by employees is being conducted by an external provider CorpVote commencing;

• 12:01am on Friday 5 August 2016 (Perth time) and run through until 11:59pm on Thursday 11 August 2016.  Your employer will issue you with a username and password prior to vote.

The vote is taken from actual votes. 

Example only: If there are eligible 70 employees to vote – and only 10 vote – 3 say no and 7 say yes – the EA is carried in the affirmative.

The Association thanks shift reps past and present for their assistance concerning these negotiations. It is now up to members/employees to exercise their legal democratic right to cast a vote on this Agreement. The ALAEA has a neutral position with regards to this offer and will support members regardless of whether the vote is for approval or rejection.