Qantas statement - Industrial action by long-haul pilots
11-Jul-2011 Qantas is disappointed that the pilots' union is threatening to take industrial action which could cause disruptions to Australian travellers.
Qantas is prepared to negotiate sensible and reasonable increases in pay and conditions for our long-haul pilots however the current demands from the union are excessive and unsustainable.
The pilots' union is demanding pay increases, free flights on top of already heavily discounted airfares and a requirement that pilots on all Qantas airlines, including Jetstar, are paid the same high rates as Qantas pilots.
Paying Qantas pilot rates to pilots for our low cost carrier Jetstar would drive up ticket prices, make Jetstar unprofitable and set precedents for other staff salaries.
We encourage the union to remain at the negotiating table.
Background
AIPAs claim includes:
• 2.5 per cent increases in wages each year for the next three years
• New classification table which would lock in pay rates for aircraft that are not part of the Qantas fleet
• 2 free international economy tickets each year (upgradeable to First), in addition to existing travel benefits and at the expense of paying customers
• Qantas to fund two full time union officials at a cost of up to $1 million per year