Qantas International Pilots Reject 25% Pay Rise Over First Class Seat Downgrade
Qantas international pilots have voted to reject a union-backed pay deal offering a 25 percent salary increase over four years. The agreement, covering approximately 1,700 long-haul pilots operating wide-body aircraft, was turned down by 66 percent of voters despite support from the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA). The primary contention point was a clause requiring pilots to forfeit first-class travel privileges on the airline’s new A350-1000 fleet, although rights to premium seats on A380s would remain. The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) opposed the deal, arguing that the wage increases would not keep pace with inflation and failed to compensate for years of concessions. This rejection escalates industrial tensions at Qantas, which is already facing significant financial pressure from rising fuel costs expected to reduce annual profits by $500 million. Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace expressed disappointment at the outcome, citing the need for competitiveness amidst global conflicts. Both unions and management are now expected to engage in further consultations to negotiate a revised agreement that addresses pilot concerns regarding career progression, rostering, and travel benefits.
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Qantas International Pilots Reject 25% Pay Rise Over First Class Seat Downgrade
Qantas international pilots have voted to reject a union-backed pay deal offering a 25 percent salary increase over four years. The agreement, covering approximately 1,700 long-haul pilots operating wide-body aircraft, was turned down by 66 percent of voters despite support from the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA). The primary contention point was a clause requiring pilots to forfeit first-class travel privileges on the airline’s new A350-1000 fleet, although rights to premium seats on A380s would remain. The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) opposed the deal, arguing that the wage increases would not keep pace with inflation and failed to compensate for years of concessions. This rejection escalates industrial tensions at Qantas, which is already facing significant financial pressure from rising fuel costs expected to reduce annual profits by $500 million. Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace expressed disappointment at the outcome, citing the need for competitiveness amidst global conflicts. Both unions and management are now expected to engage in further consultations to negotiate a revised agreement that addresses pilot concerns regarding career progression, rostering, and travel benefits.
theaustralian