Qantas pilots have moved a step nearer to taking industrial action in their bid to keep jobs in Australia.
The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) has filed for a ballot of its members to take protected action.
The association has lodged a claim with Fair Work Australia, saying it wants to prevent outsourcing and off-shoring of pilots’ jobs.
If the association’s members vote in favour of industrial action – the first time this has happened since 1966 – industrial action could include work stoppages of up to two days.
Speaking in Sydney, AIPA president Barry Jackson said, “While our international competition flourishes, Qantas has been left to wither on the vine, while management eyes low-cost expansion in Asia.
“Qantas is now left with an ageing fleet, a limited route network, and costs which have been cut to the point where it is affecting the product delivered.”
Jackson said it is “with sadness that we have reached this point”.
“We do so now because we are concerned not only for the future of Qantas pilots, but for the future of Qantas itself.”
The claim is aimed at heading off moves by the airline to set up overseas subsidiaries to conduct Qantas flying.
