Qantas customers can book with confidence

Sydney, 24 November 2011

Qantas customers can book flights with absolute confidence and certainty, that there will be no industrial action by the pilots’ union, licensed engineers’ union and Transport Workers’ Union for up to the next four years.

The Transport Workers’ Union has today confirmed that it will not launch an appeal or stay against the decision by Fair Work Australia to terminate all industrial action.

Qantas Group Executive Government and Corporate Affairs Olivia Wirth said the new workplace agreements would now be determined by the independent umpire for all three unions.

“Our message to customers is that you can continue to book with Qantas with absolute confidence,” Ms Wirth said.

“Fair Work Australia (FWA) put a stop to all industrial action over three weeks ago which meant that Qantas customers could once again book flights with the knowledge that their flights would not be disrupted by industrial action. This has seen customers return to flying with Qantas.

“The FWA ruling means that these three unions are unable to take industrial action for the upcoming period of arbitration and for the period of the EBA determination by Fair Work Australia - which could be up to four years.”

Fair Work Australia will today hold directions hearings for arbitration between Qantas and the TWU and separately between Qantas and the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association. A date for a directions hearing for arbitration between Qantas and the Australian and International Pilots Association has yet to be set by Fair Work Australia.

Ms Wirth said there was already an Australian aviation industry award for ground handling staff.

“Qantas pays well above this award. There is a review in place for this award due to take place early next year and we will be participating in that review,” she said.

Ms Wirth dismissed reports that Qantas CEO Alan Joyce had declined to appear before the Senate.

“Mr Joyce appeared before the Committee to give evidence about proposed amendments to legislation three weeks ago and answered Senators questions for three hours – double the time he was scheduled to appear,” she said.

“Mr Joyce has agreed to appear before the Committee again. He is overseas on business and we are working with the Committee on suitable dates which he can appear.

“Mr Joyce will explain to Senators just how damaging the proposed amendments being considered by the Committee would be to Qantas, the Australian aviation industry and all Australian businesses.”

Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (5341)
Email: qantasmedia@qantas.com.au