IFALPA Daily News: 21 November 2011:QANTAS
The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) has described today’s decision by the management of Qantas to terminate negotiations, as “disappointing”.
The Associations’ Vice President, Captain Richard Woodward, said that although pilots believed a negotiated outcome was possible, management had instead chosen the drawn-out process of arbitration.
“Today’s decision by Qantas management is unfortunate, because pilots have always been of the view that a negotiated outcome was eminently achievable” said Captain Woodward “That’s why we requested an extension of the negotiation period. However management refused - they obviously believe that a decision achieved through arbitration is preferable. Pilots know we have a very strong case to bring to arbitration and we’re confident of getting a good result there. However, it is a pity that Qantas as an airline will have to be subjected to this long, drawn-out process, when a negotiated outcome was possible. Qantas pilots simply want to operate Qantas flights. That’s why we’re in this dispute and that’s what we will continue to fight for. This isn’t about pay and it isn’t about conditions – it’s about retaining the skills and experience of Qantas pilots in Australia. That’s the fight we will now take into arbitration