Union warns Qantas pilots may strike

Australian and International Pilots Association president Barry Jackson announced (09-Feb-2011) the union's meeting with Qantas failed on Wednesday 09-Feb-2011 and warned Qantas pilots are considering strike action over job security concerns. The union represents more than 2500 Qantas pilots. [more]

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce stated that the union "had taken the discussion to a new low" (The Australian, 10-Feb-2011). Mr Joyce stated "they're [AIPA] asking for job security and we somehow have to guarantee it ... I don't know any corporation or company in the world that guarantees job security." Mr Joyce said scope clauses adpoted by other airlines limited the way those airlines could run their business and affirmed Qantas would not accept one. The CEO said the best way for the pilots to achieve job security was to have a successful business with hands that were not commercially tied by restrictions none of its Asian peers or major competitors had.

Qantas: "Our intention is to grow Qantas internationally, to grow the business, but we have to turn the corner on it, and it's a struggle at the moment. It's very clear Qantas internationally is losing lot of money." Alan Joyce, CEO. Source: The Australian, 10-Feb-2011.