Qantas, Jetstar engineers walk off the job

First it was Australia Post workers, then it was Queensland rail employees, and now a number of Qantas and Jetstar engineers have walked off the job over a pay conditions dispute.

The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia (APESMA) said a small group of heavy maintenance engineers from Sydney, Brisbane and Avalon airports could strike for up to five business days, with more industrial action planned throughout the month and into January.

APESMA said Qantas was refusing to negotiate a new collective agreement and would not agree to fatigue management demands or company-sponsored professional development.

A Qantas spokesperson said the strike should not disrupt scheduled services.

“About 190 out of 5000 engineers are striking and these engineers work in our offices and don’t do technical work,” the spokesman said.

“As we definitely still have enough technical expertise on the ground, our services should not be disrupted.”

First it was Australia Post workers, then it was Queensland rail employees, and now a number of Qantas and Jetstar engineers have walked off the job over a pay conditions dispute.

APESMA said Qantas was refusing to negotiate a new collective agreement and would not agree to fatigue management demands or company-sponsored professional development.

A Qantas spokesperson said the strike should not disrupt scheduled services.

“About 190 out of 5000 engineers are striking and these engineers work in our offices and don’t do technical work,” the spokesman said. ”As we definitely still have enough technical expertise on the ground, our services should not be disrupted.”

Got something to say? Join the small business forum here at DynamicBusiness.com.au.