Qantas calls pay demands from union 'unsustainable'
In the wake of a 24-hour strike by hundreds of engineers, Qantas has criticised the pay demands put forth by the unions representing its workforce.
The strike is part of an ongoing industrial action by the Qantas Engineers' Alliance, comprising the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, the Electrical Trades Union, and the Australian Workers' Union (AWU).
The engineers are seeking a five per cent annual pay increase, including an initial 15% raise this year to make up for 3.5 years of wage freezes.
But a Qantas spokesperson said the union's pay requests were "unsustainable," 9News reported.
"It is Qantas' preference to reach an agreement that includes pay increases and other benefits," the spokesperson said as quoted by the news outlet. "This includes annual pay increases, increased apprentice pay, as well as new career progression opportunities and more advanced training."
Negotiations have been ongoing since April, following the expiration of the engineers' enterprise agreement at the end of June.
Paul Farrow, national secretary of the AWU, said they are demanding a pay hike after their members accepted years of wage freezes when "times were tough."
"Now that the profits are flowing, it's time for Qantas to come to the table with a decent offer," Farrow said.
Amid the pay dispute, hundreds of engine components maintenance engineers at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport walked off their jobs for a 24-hour strike that began on Wednesday. Heavy maintenance engineers in Brisbane also held a strike.
In late September, more than a thousand Qantas engineers also walked off their jobs over the pay dispute.
Commenting on the latest strike action, Qantas said they have contingencies in place and are not expecting any impact on 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 told 9News.
"Our teams continue to do a great job helping customers get to their destination safely."
