QF pilots strike threat

[markis10]

Interesting times ahead:

QANTAS pilots are now planning industrial action after a push for a new pay deal and job security broke down late yesterday. The talks between the pilots union and senior managers led by chief executive Alan Joyce broke up with both sides failing to agree on any issue.
In a statement last night, the Australian and International Airline Pilots Association said that Qantas was not prepared to work with its members to provide written job security provisions in return for improved flexibility and productivity.
Qantas chief pilot Pete Wilson, who attended the meeting as a representative of the airline, dismissed the union claims last night.
He described the claims as divisive, arguing that management was not planning to reduce wages but was seeking to reduce costs by increasing productivity.
"Today's meeting was not productive. AIPA is seeking commitments under the heading of job security that in practice would have precisely the opposite effect," Capt Wilson said.

Read more: Qantas pilots plan industrial action after pay talks break down | News.com.au
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[simongr]

Does anyone here have written job security? I know I certainly don't and have recently been advised that the whole company needs to more with current staff of the same with less staff.

 

[medhead]

Does anyone here have written job security? I know I certainly don't and have recently been advised that the whole company needs to more with current staff of the same with less staff.

I didn't read it as total job security. But everyone has job security provisions, which is to say notice periods, redundancy provisions and that kind of thing. Obviously, it is not possible to have a job for life businesses do go bust.

 

[samh004]

I hope they don't strike when I'm flying to Fiji those are the only major flights I've got coming up.

 

[VHOEJ]

Here we go again - I love the logic of unions though. Strike, damage the company, make the people you are negotiating with very angry and expect to get everything you want. :?:

I can see why they are upset but no ones job in this world is secure. The union isn't going to get that so they need to come to the table with something else.

 

[anat0l]

Here we go again - I love the logic of unions though. Strike, damage the company, make the people you are negotiating with very angry and expect to get everything you want. :?:

They have nothing to lose. Virgin Australia or the Middle Eastern carriers will easily employ them if QF collapses in a heap.

 

[simongr]

At the same rates of pay and conditions and living in Oz? If that was the case why wouldnt they leave now?

 

[Katie]

I read somewhere that the strikes were likely to be near Easter??
I hope not; we have our big trip with the ILs starting the weekend before Easter.
Fingers crossed ...

 

[drron]

After 9/11 didn't QF pilots agree to a pay freeze to help QF through difficult times.I seem to remember that QF agreed to incorporate profit sharing for the pilots but that took considerable time to come through.
Then there was the formation of JQ in 2004.As JQ continues to cannibalise QF job advancement for QF pilots becomes slower.Next is JQs plan to have a pilot base in SIN.I dont think it is unusual then that QF pilots are worried about job security.Remember the first JQ pilots were from QF-though those that came with Impulse.And Alan joyce was in the thick of things then.
How Dixon gave his rainy-day impulse wings - CommentAnalysisAlanKohler - www.smh.com.au

 

[codash1099]

I read somewhere that the strikes were likely to be near Easter??
I hope not; we have our big trip with the ILs starting the weekend before Easter.
Fingers crossed ...

Well given the fact that my DONE4 is potentially affected by two strikes (BA and now QF), I'd be happy with an Easter strike. I get back 1 day before.

Three strikes and I'm out?

 

[gumpy]

from what i can tell QF Pilots have a very good deal compared to others... My Father's mate who is an ex-airforce pilot and has also flown the Korean President in KAL mentioned that the pilots' agreement at QF was a very favourable one...

Though I can understand the pilot's position but i also completely understand why QF are trying to get pilot's off this EBA...

Anyway, I sorta hope they do strike... I want to fly Air NZ...

 

[nlagalle]

I had a chat with a mate who is a QF pilot, and it is scary what QF want to do.

The "job security" is that the won't outsource the pilots to cheaper JQ/Jetconnect style with minimum hours, and minimal wages. There is another meeting tomorrow in Melbourne.

Hopefully QF don't go down this path. Can you imagine something like a A380 incident with a 200 hour first officer in the right hand seat?

 

[Nigelinoz]

Not related to Qantas directly but this is an interesting article about Jetstar and it's industrial relations plans.
Jestar wants Asian wage deal: report | News | Business Spectator

Qantas Airways Ltd offshoot Jetstar will look to Asia to hire more pilots and support staff as it seeks to compete on price with its main Asian rivals, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review.
Jetstar chief executive Bruce Buchanan told the newspaper plans to forge partnerships in the Philippines, as well as other Asian markets, would not be feasible if it is forced to offer the same wage agreements as Qantas.
"The market share of Australian carriers has been declining for years because of the growth of the Middle Eastern, Chinese and other carriers, and they're not doing it on Australian wages or contracts," Mr Buchanan told the AFR.

Cheers
N'oz