A major pay rise and a structured career path are some of the wins secured by aircrew personnel from national emergency service contractor CHC Helicopters in their latest union collective agreement.

AMWU National Industrial Officer, Darren Hanisch, said the agreement was an outstanding result for aircrew members, who fulfil critical roles of emergency service and search and rescue across Australia.

“This result demonstrates that the AMWU is the union for workers in the helicopter sector. We’ve achieved significant outcomes for engineers in the past, now we’ve built on that representing aircrew.”

The agreement includes a minimum pay rise of 15% on base rates over three years. Combining new and increased allowances and wages together, some aircrew members will receive a boost of more than 30%.

The AMWU has also achieved a long awaited breakthrough in the areas of job accreditation and career advancement. 

“I think the lack of formal qualifications has been seriously frustrating for aircrew. I’d argue a number of employees have left the industry for that reason.

“But through this agreement CHC have agreed to implement a formal qualification for aircrew - an accreditation that would be recognised nationally. They’ve also agreed to implement a new position of senior base aircrew person.

“This is an industry breakthrough. Given time to develop, it will have everlasting impact on attracting new aircrew employees and a formal career path for them to develop into as a part of their employment.”

Bendigo based AMWU Aircrew delegate, Brad King, said the agreement was a significant move forward for the sector.

“I think overall the package of a 15% base rate increase, in a climate where people talk about getting a 2.5% increase, is a pretty good result.”

He said the introduction of a structured career path would encourage retention and attract more people into the industry.

“We needed to build some sort of career progression. Being in the aviation industry, the client wants qualified people straight away. This agreement will work towards that.

“They (CHC management) have said some positive things but they now need to act on them.”