Decision 'will result in wage increases for hundreds of our short-haul cabin crew,' says CPO
Australian flag carrier Qantas has declared its support for the Same Job Same Pay applications filed by the Flight Attendants Association Australia (FAAA) for short-haul cabin crew.
In a statement, Qantas confirmed that it will back the FAAA's three applications filed with the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
"The decision to support the Qantas Domestic Same Job Same Pay applications will result in wage increases for hundreds of our short-haul cabin crew," said Catherine Walsh, Qantas Group Chief People Officer, in a statement.
The FAAA submitted the Same Job Same Pay applications to the FWC in June and July 2024, targeting several short‑haul cabin crew workgroups that operate on Qantas' Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 fleets.
According to Qantas, its decision will grant up to 800 short-haul cabin crew members pay increases, with the final amount still being ironed out amid discussions with the FAAA and approval from the FWC.
In-principle agreement for long-haul cabin crew
Meanwhile, Qantas also announced that it has reached an in-principle agreement with the FAAA for its long-haul cabin crew workforce.
If voted‑up by employees, the agreement will “also mean an increase in pay for most long‑haul cabin crew, while also ensuring our international business can continue to grow in a fiercely competitive environment," Walsh said.
According to Qantas, the in-principle agreement covers around 2,500 international crew, who will be set for pay increases and access to the new A350-1000 Ultra Long Range aircraft, including Project Sunrise flights.
The proposed changes are still subject to an employee vote, but the airline said it will continue to engage with long-haul cabin crew and representatives about the changes.
The airline said the proposed changes will have a gross cost impact of around $60 million in FY25. They are also expected to commence in November 2024, subject to finalisation with the unions and the FWC.
Qantas' support welcomed
The Australian government welcomed the news of Qantas' support for the Same Job Same Pay applications.
"We congratulate Qantas and the FAAA for reaching an agreement to ensure cabin crew members are paid fairly, regardless of their employment status," the statement read.
The statement, released by Transport Minister Catherine King and Employment Minister Murray Watt, said the new arrangements will benefit thousands of staff with better pay, conditions, and more job security.
"This is an example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved when employers and unions come to the table, using Labour's new workplace laws," the statement added.
