NO PASSENGER DISRUPTIONS FROM UNIONS OVER EASTER

SYDNEY, 6 April 2011: Qantas has welcomed confirmation that unions have ruled out taking industrial action over the Easter holidays.

The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) has today joined the Australian Licenced Aircraft Engineers Association in ruling out passenger disruptions over Easter.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said the move was sensible.

“Qantas is pleased that the unions have ruled out taking industrial action over Easter,” Mr Joyce said.

“Customers can now book their holidays safe in the knowledge that unions will not disrupt their plans. Our priority is to ensure customers can visit family and friends and go on holidays without disruptions from union-led strikes.”

The pilots’ union ruled out industrial action over Easter on Sydney radio station 2UE this afternoon.

Last month, the licenced engineers also ruled out industrial action over Easter:

Mr Joyce said Qantas management held further meetings with the pilots’ union and licenced engineers this week with more planned next week.

“We want to work with all of our employees to reach new agreements and we remain committed to finding common ground with the unions,” he said.

“Qantas recently reached an in-principle agreement with the Australian Service Union (ASU) on a new agreement which will shortly be put to our 7,500 workers for a vote.

“The Transport Workers Union agreement does not expire until July 2011 and negotiations are expected to commence in May.”