Yesterday the Association received a letter from Chris Nassenstein letting us know that we are losing the onging maintenance of the IFE systems fitted to Panasonic 744 aircraft.  A copy of the letter is attached.

If anyone doubts that the current Qantas management is anything but intent on removing jobs then read the letter very carefully and then check out the past form:

http://www.airnewzealand.co.jp/press-release-2005-airnz-proposes-outsourcing-some-engg-services

Steve Purvinas
FEDERAL SECRETARY

29 September 2011

Mr Steve Purvlnas
Federal Secretary
Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association

Dear Steve,

RE: Panasonlc In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) work

I refer to correspondence from Ms Sue Bussell to your union dated 20 April 2011, regarding Qantas' contractual arrangements with Panasonic for the performance of In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) work.

Specifically, as set out in that letter, Panasonlc is contracted by Qantas to perform all work (including self-certification) with respect to second generation IFE systems (eX2 for wide body and eFX/eX2 for narrow body). Notwithstanding its contractual arrangements with Panasonic, Qantas has agreed with the ALAEA to a "status quo" arrangement by which Qantas LAMEs are temporarily certifying IFE work performed by Panasonlc employees on certain fleet types. The terms of the status quo arrangement, including the fleet types covered by it, are set out in Ms Bussell's letter of 20 April 2011.

The purpose of maintaining the "status quo' (as defined in the earlier letter) was to provide an opportunity for Qantas and the ALAEA to come to terms on the performance of some IFE work by Qantas LAMEs, subject to Qantas' existing contractual arrangements with Panasonic. Although some five months have elapsed since the status quo arrangement was made, no agreement has been reached in relation to Panasonic IFE work and an overall agreement on EBA 9 does not appear imminent.

In these circumstances, Qantas is not prepared to extend the status quo arrangement to any additional fleet types not already covered by the arrangement. Accordingly, Qantas will be exercising the full extent of its contractual arrangements with Panasonlc in relation to IFE work (including self-certification by Panasonlc employees) on Qantas' fleet of reconfigured 747-400s (744s). The performance of IFE work on the reconfigured 744 fleet will commence as the aircraft are released from AVV which is estimated between early to mid October 2011.

For the avoidance of doubt, Qantas will continue to apply the status quo in relation to the fleet types referred to in Ms Bussell's letter of 20 April 2011. However, the status quo arrangement remains subject to the conditions stipulated in that correspondence.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Nassensteln
Executive Manager Engineering

Attachments:

File
20110930_Notice_050_2011_All_Qantas_and_Forstaff_Members_The_Toe_Cutting_Begins.