Qantas’ engineers have cancelled their planned industrial action, citing recent technical problems as a potential safety concern for the airline’s passengers.

 

The industrial campaign, due to have started last Friday, would have forced the cancellation of 31 flights, delayed 46 others and affected over 2500 passengers nationwide.

 

Qantas engineers threatened to walk off the job after negotiations over pay and conditions faltered, saying Qantas had failed to properly ensure job security and  basic conditions.

 

The tensions arise from recent plans by Qantas to outsource aircraft maintenance jobs, enflaming an already precarious situation between ground staff and the head office.  

 

The planned strike action included;
•    Work stoppage from 0600 to 0630 local time in all Australian ports.

•    Work stoppage from 1730 to 1800 local time in all Australian ports.

•    A limitation on work by not entering Tech Log coupons into computers in all
Australian ports for the entire day.

•    A limitation on work by not using Qantas vehicles at Tullamarine airport for
the entire day.

•    A limitation on work by not using computers to order parts at Sydney for the
entire day.

•    A limitation on work by not towing 737 aircraft unless all persons involved in
the tow are type rated for that aircraft at all Australian ports for the entire day.

•    A limitation on work by not using transit authorities in Perth and Brisbane for
the entire day.

 

The decision to cancel the action followed a spate of technical issues, including an inflight engine fire on a Singapore bound flight and a number of reports of fuel leaks in Qantas’ 737 fleet.