More than 400 Qantas engineers will initiate strike action today, in a move aimed at disrupting the airline's annual general meeting in Hobart, as they press for higher pay and improved working conditions.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) national secretary Steve Murphy confirmed that engineers responsible for pre-flight safety checks, ground support and simulators will participate in two sets of four-hour stop works in Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart and Perth.
The airline has assured passengers that the strike will not affect flight schedules.
This industrial action follows the rejection of a 26% pay rise by Qantas’ short-haul pilots and comes two months after flight attendants secured a similar pay increase.
Murphy also revealed that informal talks between the 14 unions representing Qantas employees have considered a whole-of-airline strike, though pilots' unions have not yet been involved. Qantas has denied awareness of such discussions, noting that only a few enterprise bargaining agreements are currently unresolved.
The airline has offered engineers a 26% pay rise over three years, while the engineers are seeking a 45% increase, after a prolonged wage freeze. Despite recent operational improvements, relations with staff remain strained under new chief executive Vanessa Hudson.
Qantas shares hit a record high of $7.96 yesterday, underlining the airline's financial strength despite the ongoing industrial disputes.