THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS’

ASSOCIATION of AUSTRALIA

NATIONAL DIVISION

The FAAA

WE’RE SERIOUS ABOUT SAFETY

The Safety Net for Cabin Crew

OUR PROUD HISTORY • FAAA History 1956-

2014

Elaine Smith is the first President

1956 •Airline Hostesses Association (AHA) founded

•First general meeting attended by 40 Flight Attendants

“Australia's most photographic trade union…Forty shapely and vivacious members lent glamour to the occasion.'‘

1957 • Duty hours limited to 48/week

1960 • Duty hours limited to 11 hours per day, minimum rest of 10 hours at home and 9 hours away

• Rosters to be published with 7 days notice

• Agreed to have 4 days off per fortnight

1966

•After much negotiation following the 1963 award, the threat of stop work

meetings to consider strike action and conciliation by the Conciliation and

Arbitration Commission the Airline Hostesses’ Award 1966 came into effect.

−Increased salaries and overnight allowance

−14 hours rest for duties of more than 8 hours and up to 11 hours

−17 hours rest for duties of more than 11 hours

1986

•The Association entered into a dispute with Ansett Airlines

when it refused to issue short-sleeved shirts to male flight

attendants.

Following an inspection tour and a formal presentation of evidence,

the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission found in favour of the

AFAA.

•The Association actively pursued the government and the companies to

ban smoking on aircraft due to the health risk smoking passengers posed

to flight attendants. On December 1, 1987 a smoking ban on domestic

flights of less than 90 minutes was introduced via federal legislation.

1992

•Amalgamation between the AFAA and AICCA was voted in by the

members. The two organisations merged to become the Flight Attendants’

Association of Australia on June 1, 1992

1998

•Enterprise Bargaining negotiations in Qantas saw the introduction of

−Salary and allowances increased 3 x 3% over a 3 year period

−Further variable crewing modifications

−New band payments

−Retirement benefits at 20 years of service or 40 years of age

−Part time for CSMs

−The employment of a casual flight attendant workforce

•Enterprise Bargaining negotiations in Ansett saw the introduction of

−Salary and allowance increases

−The creation of a release and pick-up work system

−Higher duties merit promotion

−Employment of a casual flight attendant work force

2002

•Southern Airlines closure – FAAA negotiated for Southern Flight Attendants to

have direct entry into Qantas Short Haul with appropriate pay and conditions.

•Negotiated Regional Flying for Qantas Short Haul Flight Attendants

•Negotiated an EBA specifically for Casuals

•Achieved permanency for some MAM Casuals.

•Purchase of the FAAA Sydney property.

•Re-established an FAAA Melbourne Office.

2004

•Rex becomes Kendall and Hazelton

•Achieved Permanent Part Time slots for Virgin Blue Flight Attendants.

•The FAAA provide plastic laminates on the most commonly asked EBA questions

for members to use as a quick reference guide for all airlines under the FAAA

Domestic/Regional Division umbrella.

2006

•FAAA participates in ACTU anti-Work Choices campaign

•50th anniversary of the FAAA

•Qantas Short Haul EBA introduces 2 years maternity leave and permanent

part time positions until the child reaches school age

2010 •Modern award comes into effect

•MAM EBA voted up

2013 •Name change to National Division

•Increasing crew base visits and presence of FAAA delegates

‘on the ground’

2014 •On-going discussions regarding the decision in February of Qantas to significantly

reduce operations

Jo-ann Davidson and Elaine Smith

OUR MEMBERS

CONSULTED BY:

• CASA

Working Groups

- Government

Department of Infrastructure and Regional Dev

Aviation Security

- ITF- International Transport Federation

- Airlines

AGREEMENTS • EBA’s

Cabin Crews’ conditions, rest breaks, duty hour limitations

• Dispensations

Allows a Company to vary a condition but ensures safety will not be compromised

CAMPAIGNS

Cabin Crew Ratios

2011 Parliamentary Inquiry into 1:36 The FAAA presented the important role of cabin crew in maintaining safety and security Finding the Right Balance – Cabin Crew Ratios on Australian Aircraft – House of Representatives Recommendation 7 arising from the inquiry stated: That the 1:36 ratio be retained until such time that it can be demonstrated that a change to a 1:50 cabin crew ratio in Australia will not result in reduced levels of safety or security CASA continues to provide Airlines with exemptions to the 1:36

CAMPAIGNS

• CABIN AIR QUALITY

The FAAA fully supports the ITF in it’s campaign for Cabin Air Quality

Contaminated air inside the aircraft is a serious concern for Cabin Crew

CAMPAIGNS IN-CABIN BAGGAGE Cabin Crew Members’ nightmare!!

The FAAA has previously facilitated agreements across airlines that

standardized cabin baggage restrictions

Today, ‘competition’ has airlines reluctant to tackle this serious

problem and marketing departments stressing over customer reaction

Cabin Crew injuries caused when lifting or moving cabin baggage or closing bulging and heavy lockers are far too high

Cabin Crew are subjected to verbal abuse when enforcing regulations

Cabin Crew have been physically assaulted over cabin baggage altercations

The FAAA (National and International Divisions) and the Australian Services Union (ASU) representing customer service/ground staff are joining together in a collaborative approach to address the problems

CAMPAIGNS

• HAND SANTIZERS OR DISPOSABLE GLOVES

Proper hand washing (as per WHO) is not readily available to Cabin Crew during flight

The FAAA is seeking hand sanitizer to be readily available in galley areas to provide adequate hygiene for Cabin Crew

REPRESENTATION

• WHS Committees

• Crew Fatigue Investigations

• Fumes Incidents

• Safety Incident Debriefs

• Planning & Scheduling

• Procedures

• Galley Stowages: - too high X too heavy X

• Accommodation

SAFETY CONCERNS

COMPETITION & SERVICE

V

SAFETY

=

A SERIOUS CONCERN FOR THE FAAA