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Bad Timing for Qantas
Voting by Qantas pilots on a new enterprise bargaining agreement is taking place this week and sources suggest that pilots may reject the deal.
Qantas pilots are angry about the proposed set up of Jetstar International and moves by Qantas to open an overseas base in Singapore.
Pilot leaders of the Australian and International Pilots Association’s 40-member committee of management have said that Qantas can expect hard bargaining.
New Chairman of the Association, Captain Ian Woods, who will take his seat on November 7, said that the airline has attempted to force new conditions on pilots which he thinks will backfire and be rejected.
Captain Woods said, “Should it be defeated, as I believe it will be, then I take office on November 7 and we will then have to commence new negotiations with the company on a frank and open basis”. He added, “The cosy relationship is over”.
Qantas’ base for second officers in Singapore would provide significant cost reductions on the highly competitive kangaroo route.
In addition, Qantas has also flagged starting a new two class, long-haul and low cost carrier, Jetstar International, which is proclaimed to be a leisure service operating on leisure routes previously not viable for Qantas itself.
Not surprisingly, Qantas CEO, Geoff Dixon has rejected outright industry source reports that Qantas in due course will pass over parts of Qantas to Jetstar International, significantly reducing the legacy carrier’s costs.
Pilots are also worried the effect the new carrier will have on job security and conditions, the vote coming at a time when QF is clearly saying that things are going to change at the carrier.
Report by The Mole
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