An estimated 300 Qantas engineers are on a snap 24-hour strike in support of the union’s demand for a pay rise.
The strikes are being held at the Melbourne Tullamarine Airport and Brisbane International Airport starting at 9am today. The Qantas Engineers Alliance – comprising of the Electrical Trades Union, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and Australian Workers Union (AWU) – organised the snap strike.
“Every time there is a problem at Qantas, the executives ignore it and just hope that it will go away,” AMWU National Secretary Steve Murphy said.
“If Qantas wants to show the general public that things are going to change, then valuing the workers that deliver their safety record should be number one priority.”
The alliance has asked for a 15 percent increase starting this year, compensating for the three and a half year pay freeze, then a 5 percent increase per year.
“When times were tough, our members accepted years of wage freezes,” AWU Secretary Paul Farrow said.
“Now that the profits are flowing, it’s time for Qantas to come to the table with a decent offer.”
But Qantas has said that the unions pay requests are “unsustainable”, but still are looking to come to an agreement.
“It is Qantas’ preference to reach an agreement that includes pay increases and other benefits,” a spokesperson told Nine News.
“This includes annual pay increases, increased apprentice pays, as well as new career progression opportunities and more advanced training.”
Thousands of engineers had already walked off the job in late September over pay disputes starting in Melbourne and continuing in nearly every major city.
Qantas said they have put provisions in place during the strike, not expecting any impact to the customers.
“There’s been some industrial action by engineers since late September and so far we’ve been able to successfully ensure it hasn’t resulted in any flight delays or cancellations,” the spokesperson said.
“Our teams continue to do a great job helping customers get to their destination safely.”
Photo: Tails of Qantas Airlines by Josh Withers is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has been cropped for size.
