Qantas, pilots' union reach provisional agreement in pay talks

SYDNEY: Qantas and an Australian pilots’ union said on Thursday they had reached a provisional agreement on a wage deal after the airline’s long-haul pilots this week voted in favour of industrial action, including 24-hour stoppages and delayed sign-ons.

The deal would cover about 1,700 long-haul pilots who fly Qantas’ Airbus A380 and A330 jets and Boeing 787 planes, mainly on international routes.

Short-haul pilots have a separate agreement. The Australian and International Pilots Association said it has been encouraged by the progress made in discussions at Australia’s industrial umpire, the Fair Work Commission.

“A broad agreement has been reached (with Qantas). We are hopeful this agreement can be formalised in the coming days,” AIPA President Andrew Marshall said by email.

Qantas said it was pleased to have reached an “in principle agreement” on a deal that would deliver significant pay increases, rostering improvements and additional career progression opportunities, while balancing the needs of its business.

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A protected action ballot — a secret vote that gives employees the chance to decide whether they want to strike — was approved by a majority of the airline’s long-haul pilots after negotiations over pay and working conditions failed to produce an agreement.

The prospect of a wage deal with pilots comes as a Qantas ground workers’ union said on Thursday that around 650 workers would soon vote on industrial action.

Protected industrial action in Australia, including strikes or work stoppages, requires the Fair Work Commission to approve a ballot that is then put to union members for a vote.

Employers must be given advance notice of any industrial action.