Virgin Australia Pilots Raise Safety Concerns Over Fatigue and Rostering System

Senior pilots at Virgin Australia are voicing concerns over widespread fatigue due to a roster system they claim is pushing them to their limits. Guardian Australia has revealed correspondence from these pilots, expressing urgent pleas for changes to improve safety and address exhaustion among crew members.

Pilots Challenge Rostering Practices

The correspondence highlights that the current rostering system, utilizing a “lite” version of Sabre software, is deemed not fit for purpose by the pilots. Initially accepted during the airline’s financial recovery post-administration, the system is now criticized for failing to evolve, compromising pilot welfare and work-life balance. The dissatisfaction extends back to issues raised in enterprise agreements dating from 2007, which the airline has continually failed to address effectively.

Union Standoff on New Enterprise Agreement

The ongoing concerns coincide with tense negotiations between Virgin Australia and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) over a new enterprise agreement. The proposal, which includes reducing pilots’ annual leave by six days, has intensified discontent among pilots. This has led to a significant rift within the unions representing them, with the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) showing some openness to the deal, unlike their TWU counterparts.

Impact on Pilot Well-being and Safety

The union has surveyed pilots, revealing that 95% feel undervalued by both Virgin and its owner, Bain Capital. A majority expressed intentions to reject the proposed enterprise agreement, citing the detrimental effects of the rostering system on their fatigue management, family life, and mental health. Concerns have escalated to the point where pilots are reluctant to report personal fatigue for fear of repercussions, such as mandatory medical testing that could impact their income.

Management’s Response

In response to the growing concerns, a spokesperson for Virgin Australia asserted that the airline maintains a robust fatigue management system approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, including extensive consultation with pilots. They also emphasized that the proposed enterprise agreement includes substantial rest protections and fatigue-related measures.

Despite these assurances, the proposal to reduce days off from 156 to 150 annually has been met with opposition, as pilots argue it would negatively affect their ability to manage work-life balance, especially during peak flying periods.

Call for Action

Emily McMillan, the TWU’s national assistant secretary, has called the situation a wake-up call for Virgin and Bain to take the issues of fatigue and mental health among pilots seriously. The union is pushing for the withdrawal of the proposed cut in days off and for a fair agreement that allows pilots to focus on their critical roles without undue stress.

As negotiations continue, the outcome will likely have significant implications for the operational safety, pilot welfare, and overall reputation of Virgin Australia in a highly competitive aviation industry.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, theguardian.com