A-Licence Update
On Friday 27th April the Alliance Unions met with Qantas Management to discuss the regulatory changes and introduction of the A-Licence.
As you know, changes were made to the regulations with the creation of the A-Licence. Approved Maintenance Organisations (AMO) such as Qantas, can issue A-Licences allowing licence holders to carry out type and task based work, in line maintenance only. An A-Licence holder has no supervisory functions.
For over a year, the ALAEA had been running a campaign to ensure only B1 and B2 licence holders were able to hold an A-Licence. They tried to gain another side letter from Qantas to confirm this, and to negotiate it into their agreement.
Throughout there campaign, the Alliance Unions maintained a position of support to the ALAEA, as they fought to stop the introduction of A-Licences to anyone other than a LAME.
The ALAEA campaign was unsuccessful on all accounts.
On Friday, Qantas outlined their position to introduce A-Licences to AME’s and discussed a broad implementation timetable.
The Alliance Unions expressed significant concerns about the possible introduction of an A-Licence to an employee having only completed a Cert II.
Despite Qantas indicating they want to keep their options open, we called on the company to give a formal commitment that they will not go down this path.
At our meeting, which was attended by delegates of the AMWU, AWU and ETU from each port, there was no discussion or proposal regarding remuneration for an AME holding an A-Licence. However your Unions intend on holding meetings with our members at the most appropriate time to engage your views.
It is important to note that we will engage with our members throughout this process and provide immediate feedback on all discussions to get the best outcomes as these regulatory changes come into effect.
If you hear of any position contrary to the position above, being distributed by other Unions, please ensure you contact your Delegate, State or National Official to let them know the details.
You can download the Alliance Unions A Licence Update flyer here.
