Fed: Qantas standing firm on wage freeze

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2001
Fed: Qantas standing firm on wage freeze

Qantas is standing firm on plans for an 18-month staff wage freeze despite union threats
of further industrial action.

Qantas general manager of public affairs MICHAEL SHARP says nine of the 11 unions representing
more than 90 per cent of the airline's workforce has already agreed in principle to the
wage freeze.

A performance bonus also has been offered if profit levels this year match that of the last.

However, The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and Australian Workers Union are
holding out on the proposal, and more industrial action has been threatened if the airline
does not start bargaining in good faith.

The dispute is due before the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in Melbourne today.

Both the unions and the airline have moved to assure travellers that flights will not
be disrupted over the peak Christmas period.

AAP RTV kp/nf/aa

KEYWORD: QANTAS WAGES (SYDNEY)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.