Anyone else see this in today's Sydney
Daily Telegraph?
On page 3, Author Joe Hildebrand
THE offices of the Australian and International Pilots Association, which represents Qantas flight crew, have been broken in to as a bitter battle between the airline and the union over foreign jobs and pay disputes continues to rage.
An intruder entered the offices in Coward St, Botany, near Sydney airport, on Saturday night.
The Daily Telegraph understands the would-be robber or robbers entered the premises next door before breaking through two plasterboard walls to reach the AIPA offices.
Adding weight to the mystery, the association's files were ransacked and possibly copied but money and other valuables were not touched.
The union confirmed the break-in in a brief statement and said they were concerned.
``Police are investigating the incident and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point,'' an association spokesman said.
``AIPA staff and members are concerned about the incident and await the outcome of the investigation.''
The break-in is thought to have occurred about 7.30pm.
Police said they do not know how many people were involved and do not have any clear leads.
The AIPA represents Qantas's 2300 pilots and flight engineers.
Relations between AIPA and Qantas are close to an all-time low after the association was recently taken over by a tough new reform group led by current president Ian Woods.
The union is furious over Qantas's plans to start up a low-cost Asian carrier -- Jetstar International -- that would hire foreign pilots for up to $100,000 less than their Australian counterparts.
AIPA has taken the airline to the Federal Court over the issue and also asked Transport Minister Warren Truss to intervene.
The two parties are also gearing up for a major pay dispute.
A spokesman for Qantas declined to comment on the break-in.
``It's got nothing to do with us,'' he said.
Posted without comment.