Kace O'Neill

After six months of negotiation, both the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) and Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) have filed Protected Action Ballots at Express Freighters Australia, pushing commercial pilots that perform air freight work a step closer towards industrial action.

The FAAA (Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia) made a submission to the Fair Work Commission in the annual wage review seeking a five per cent wage increase for cabin crew workers – receiving a counter argument from Qantas.

Implemented by the Albanese Government in December 2023, the Same Job, Same Pay legislation continues to be a critical tool for unions, with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) being the latest to secure pay increases for workers. 

Dylan Macnish was fired after facing a litany of allegations from his employer, with the key accusation being that Macnish broke Virgin’s “eight-hour rule”, set out in the airline’s A4 Manual, which states that cabin crew should abstain from alcohol for a minimum of eight hours before commencing duty.

Qantas has agreed to change its application and approval process for assistance animals after a disability discrimination case in the Federal Court.

Virgin cabin crew member Dylan Macnish’s employment had been terminated by the airline giant, but reinstated by the Fair Work Commission.