Industrial action by Qantas engineers began on Thursday, with engine and components maintenance workers ceasing work. The cessation of work by line maintenance engineers on Monday is expected to significantly affect flights. These engineers are responsible for towing and marshalling aircraft, as well as conducting turnaround checks to ensure aircraft are safe for subsequent takeoffs. The Qantas Engineers’ Alliance, consisting of the AMWU, AWU, and ETU, has stated that highly skilled engineers were compelled to take industrial action due to Qantas management's refusal to negotiate, with additional actions anticipated in the forthcoming weeks.
Negotiations have been ongoing since April, and the enterprise agreement expired at the end of June. The Alliance is demanding a 5 percent annual wage increase, with an additional 15 percent for the first year to compensate for 3.5 years of wage stagnation.
Negotiations have been ongoing since April, and the enterprise agreement expired at the end of June. The Alliance is demanding a 5 percent annual wage increase, with an additional 15 percent for the first year to compensate for 3.5 years of wage stagnation.
Steve Murphy, AMWU National Secretary, stated, "These workers possess unique and critical skills that require a decade to master. They were indispensable during the pandemic, making sacrifices to ensure Qantas' survival. Now, Qantas must reciprocate by respecting and properly compensating its workers. Our members emphasize the importance of precision, as there's no room for error at 30,000 feet. Qantas must demonstrate its commitment to safety by valuing its engineers."
Paul Farrow, AWU National Secretary, commented, "No engineer takes pleasure in inconveniencing passengers. Having been an aircraft engineer, I understand the pride in ensuring safe travel. However, the management's actions have cornered them, leading to a significant morale decline. Engineers are at a crucial juncture, refusing to accept a real-term wage reduction while executives receive substantial bonuses."
Michael Wright, ETU National Secretary, remarked, "Qantas engineers have traditionally been held in high esteem, a testament to management's recognition of their crucial safety role. Unfortunately, under Alan Joyce's leadership, this respect has diminished, along with other core values. Vanessa Hudson must now decide whether to prioritise the retention of skilled engineers or focus on executive bonuses. The potential safety risks are clear if Qantas persists in offshoring maintenance due to a shortage of qualified engineers in Australia."
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