Now Qantas engineers down tools

SYDNEY – What is it about airline workers and Christmas?

Following the strike threat from British Airways cabin staff, which threatens to disrupt BA services over the holiday period, Qantas professional engineers took industrial action today.

Qantas dismissed the strike threat during the Christmas and New Year period, by saying “We would encourage customers to disregard this attempt at scaremongering.”

Qantas Group executive David Epstein said the airline had continued to negotiate with the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia (APESMA) in good faith on the latest Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

He added, “The announcement by union officials refers to sporadic action that has been going on for some time, but has not disrupted Qantas operations and will not do so in the future.

“APESMA’s current claim for a pay rise of 26 per cent over three years – including 17 per cent in the first year – is unreasonable and would be unsustainable.”

Epstein said Qantas had contingency plans in place to ensure that passengers would not be affected by the action.

“There will not be any disruption to our operations and our customers can travel with confidence,” he said.

“Aircraft will not be grounded or delayed and safety will, as always, remain our top priority.”

Qantas said it employs approximately 190 professional engineers in an engineering workforce of around 5,500.