Qantas says it is working with Australia’s work regulator to try and head off industrial action by long-haul pilots.
The airline’s 1700 wide-body pilots are later this month set to vote on action that can range from bans on duties outside hours to stopping work.
QF head of international Cam Wallace says the airline is committed to reaching an agreement and has sought the help of the Fair Work Commission to find a resolution.
He says pilots can’t yet take industrial action so there is no impact on customers. The earliest they can take
action is four weeks after a ballot by pilots union members.
The dispute revolves around pay and leave days.
“We’ve offered pilots significant pay increases as well as long sought after changes to conditions, but there is a limit to what we can afford before it impacts our ability to offer competitive fares,’’ Wallace says. It is reported that the Australian and International Pilots’ Association and QF will meet with the commission on Fri. QF says it has offered rostering improvements and changes that would deliver more career pathways.
. . . Earlier Vote
The dispute has been simmering this year. In Apr, the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP), which represents a growing number of long-haul pilots, said its members rejected a proposed deal, with 66% voting against it from a 95% participation rate.
It recommended its members vote no on the longhaul proposal, saying the result sent a clearmessage to QF. The AFAP says it repeatedly told QF management that its endorsement was critical. “[QF] refused to listen and failed to address the concerns raised by pilots and their representatives,’’ the federation said.
