Budget airline Jetstar could face disruptions over the busy Christmas period after pay negotiations with its pilots broke down.
The Australian Federation of Air Pilots said on Wednesday it had applied to the Fair Work Commission to hold a vote among Jetstar pilots on taking protected industrial action.
The proposed actions range from general work-to-rule (pilots not working outside of their rostered hours) to work stoppages of up to 24 hours, AFAP said. Jetstar is able to object to some forms of action with Fair Work today, before pilots vote on them.
AFAP executive director Simon Lutton said the union was taking the step because its members were disappointed negotiations with Jetstar over a new enterprise agreement had stalled.
"The Jetstar pilots are disappointed to have to take this step but, as negotiating with the company in good faith has got them nowhere, they have been left with no choice," Mr Lutton said.
A Jetstar spokeswoman said it had been in constructive discussions about the new wage deal since January and remained committed to reaching an agreement, "but not at any cost".
Jetstar had offered to continue giving pilots annual wage increases of 3 per cent, however the union's proposal would drive pilot costs 15 per cent higher, the spokeswoman said.
There are many complex areas to discuss and working through the AFAP's numerous claims and their many modifications takes time.
"We remain committed to reaching an agreement for a new EBA to support the great work our people do every day, but not at any cost," a Jetstar spokeswoman said.
Mr Lutton said AFAP members, who make up the majority of Jetstar's pilots, were unhappy with salary and conditions, and concerned about how the airline's rostering practices affected pilot fatigue.
"Jetstar pilots are the lowest-paid jet airline pilots employed by the four major carriers operating in Australia, and they are tired of not being valued as highly as their peers at other airlines", Mr Lutton said.
Jetstar, which is owned by Qantas, has been contacted for comment.
More to come
- SMH/The Age
