The union of Australian pilots said on Tuesday that it had rejected a pay offer from Qantas Airways regarding its short-haul pilots. Last week, engineers at the airline hit the streets to protest for improved compensation.
The offer contained a two-year pay freeze with increased minimum guaranteed hours and standby pay. It also ensured flying hour remunerations that may be lost due to unforeseen disruptions or changes to the schedule during roster periods.
The AFAP termed this wage freeze, which Qantas is insisting on, an unreasonable offer, particularly because of the airline carrier’s record profitability. Qantas announced an annual profit after tax of A$1.25 billion ($865.8 million) in fiscal 2024. Of the 786 short-haul pilots voting, 63.4% voted against the recommended deal.
The rejection comes after Qantas engineers went on strike last Thursday, demanding an annual 5% pay increase. Meanwhile, the pilots’ union warned that additional action might be taken if the airline disregarded their vote results. AFAP Executive Director Simon Lutton threatened to escalate negotiations further but refused to disclose possible actions.
In response, a Qantas spokesperson said the agreement put to the pilots contained significant structural improvements to pay and rostering conditions that had been pursued for many years. The airline will take some time to consider its next steps in the negotiations following the vote.
