This is your captain speaking…we’re taking industrial action
Qantas long-haul pilots will take industrial action on Friday.
The limited action will include announcements to passengers over the in-flight public address system.
Qantas said that it is assessing the implications of the work bans and will write to the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) to seek clarification.
“At this stage we don’t expect any flight delays or cancellations,†Qantas said in a statement.
“We are disappointed that the pilots’ union would intentionally disturb customers’ in-flight experience to make a point during an industrial dispute†the airline added.
The pilots dispute is about pay, perks and job security, including fears that Qantas is increasingly looking to Singapore as the base for many of its operations.
According to Qantas the pilots’ demands include:
– two free of charge international economy tickets each year (upgradeable to First), in addition to already heavily discounted airfares 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
– Discounted Qantas Club membership for pilots and their families.
Qantas says the dispute is about “the pilots’ union attempting to force all Qantas subsidiaries including Jetstar, to pay the same high rates as Qantas.
“The claim, if it were ever conceded, would drive up airfares, cost jobs and make Qantas airlines and routes unprofitable.
“The claim appears to be designed to damage the viability of Jetstar and other subsidiaries in the naive belief that this will lead to increased activity in Qantas,†the statement added.
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