Pilot fatigue issue raised as Virgin Australia pilots refuse cuts to days off in new deal

Virgin Australia pilots have voted down a healthy new pay deal that increased wages significantly but reduced their days off by six a year.

Virgin Australia pilots and crew at Brisbane Airport just before pandemic struck and airline went into administration. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Virgin Australia pilots have rejected a new pay deal from the airline that promised healthy wage rises but reduced their days off by six a year.

The Australian Federation of Air Pilots had supported the proposed agreement which included a pay increase of up to 24.3 per cent for first officers over three years, and 22.6 per cent for captains.

But the Transport Workers Union which represents about 25 per cent of the pilot workforce, was opposed to the deal because of concerns new rostering arrangements would increase fatigue among pilots.

A total of 1123 pilots out of 1146 employed by Virgin Australia voted on the offer, with 60.7 per cent against and 39.3 per cent in favour.

Virgin Australia chief pilot and flight operations manager Alex Scamps said they were disappointed the proposed agreement was voted down, given the significant pay increases.

He said the 150 designated days off a year (down from 156), in addition to six weeks annual leave, remained the most generous allowance of any major airline in Australia.

“(The agreement) would also have introduced new measures to strengthen work-life balance and added the most advanced fatigue management protections in Australia,” said Mr Scamps.

“We remain committed to an outcome that delivers enhanced benefits for our pilots, as well as ensuring Virgin Australia can continue to deliver great value and terrific choice to Australian travellers.”

Virgin Australia tails at Sydney Airport. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jenny Evans

AFAP executive director Simon Lutton said they were “proud to endorse the proposed enterprise agreement” but respected that the pilot group had rejected the deal.

“It is a challenging environment for bargaining and we have a Virgin pilot group that is angry from the agreement done during the pandemic shortly after the business had emerged from administration,” said Mr Lutton.

“The AFAP will now survey members to understand the reasons for the no vote before meeting with Virgin to resume negotiations. The AFAP remains fully committed to this process and to finding a resolution as quickly as possible.”

The TWU said pilots had “consistently raised concerns” with Virgin and owner Bain Capital, over the need to maintain access to days off.

TWU national secretary Michael Kaine congratulated pilots on taking a stand “over an important issue” even though the offer included significant “union-won pay rises and other improved conditions”.

“Through months of negotiations, pilots have successfully landed an enterprise agreement that significantly improves pay and conditions after sacrifices were made to get Virgin flying again. But this vote shows pilots will not tolerate their legitimate fatigue concerns being ignored or even worsened through the reduction of days off,” said Mr Kaine.

“This vote sends a strong message to Virgin and owners Bain Capital to listen to pilots’ concerns and return to negotiations ready to work together on the constructive solutions. With a few key adjustments, Virgin pilots can very soon have an agreement worth voting for.”

He added that the TWU was awaiting updates from Bain Capital over the CEO recruitment process at Virgin Australia, Qatar Airway’s interest in a stake of the airline, as well as a public offering.

Mr Scamps said Virgin respected the feedback from pilots and would continue to work with the AFAP and the TWU to address the key areas raised.

Originally published as Pilot fatigue issue raised as Virgin Australia pilots refuse cuts to days off in new deal