From today's media clips
As the January 9th date approaches, reports are appearing that Qantas is now offering $100,000 or USD86,500 for those willing to sign on for six-month ‘strikebreaker’ contracts.
The amount is approximately double that of current Qantas engineers.
Qantas is said to have approached current engineers in both New Zealand and former employees in Australia, cited news outlets from both countries.
The fully unionised Air New Zealand engineers are expected to turn down the lucrative offer, while a similar response is expected of those 400 engineers made redundant by Qantas last year who were also reported to have been given the offer.
Currently the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA) is requesting their annual pay rise increase 2% from the current 3% to 5%.
“We think our 5% is not only reasonable but something that all people in the company should be taking,” said Paul Cousins, ALAEA President, had previously said.
He more recently indicated his disbelief that Qantas would hold out on paying exiting staff an extra $4000 a year, and at the same time would shell out $100,000 for six-month contractors.