Fair Work gives green light for Rex enterprise agreements

Victor Pody shot this Rex Saab 340 and 737-800.

Fair Work has signed off on two Rex enterprise agreements covering domestic pilots and National Jet Express logistics.

The Rex Domestic Pilots’ Enterprise Agreement was supported by almost 75 per cent of the pilot body in mid-June, while the NJE Logistics Enterprise Agreement was approved by 100 per cent of affected employees.

“Finalising the Rex Domestic Pilot Agreement marks a significant step given the intended expansion of the domestic operation, and I would like to extend my appreciation to the pilots for their dedication and commitment to the business,” said Rex chief operating officer Neville Howell.

Chris Hine, managing director of NJE, said the NJE Logistics Enterprise Agreement is the first to be successfully voted in since Rex purchased the FIFO and charter operator (formerly known as Cobham) last year.

“The ringing endorsement of the Logistics Agreement, which is set to come into effect on 2 August 2023, is a testament of the trust the staff has in the new leadership of the company under the Rex Group,” Hine said.

“This strong relationship stands us in good stead to continue our focus on the growth of the business and the many opportunities ahead.”

The news comes as rival Virgin Australia opens enterprise agreement negotiations with its ground staff and cabin crew, with the TWU calling on Virgin and owner Bain Capital to “invest in [the airline’s] long-term success” before moving ahead with a planned IPO, and to address workplace issues that workers say have caused stress and fatigue.

In a press release, the union said it wanted Bain to commit to addressing “cultural issues” that have caused “high turnover, absenteeism and disputation”; providing “good, secure jobs” for pilots, ground staff and cabin crew; continuing to invest in technology, fleet and workers to “maintain and grow safe, fair standards”; providing an annual $1,000 employee share scheme in conjunction with the IPO; and supporting the TWU campaign for a Safe and Secure Skies Commission.