Proposed Industrial Action by LAMEs
You will, of course, be aware of the proposed protected industrial action to
be taken by the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA)
in the course of their enterprise bargaining negotiations with Qantas
Management. Overtime bans and stop work meetings have been proposed as part
of the industrial action due to take place over the next two weeks. Given
the seriousness of the situation, I thought it best to contact all AIPA
members and outline my approach to these events:
1. The ALAEA Claim is Economically Sustainable
At a time of record profits, record passenger numbers and favourable fuel
hedging arrangements, Qantas Management can afford to pay the 5% claim being
made by the ALAEA. During strong economic times such as these, the LAMEs are
entitled to be recognised for the contribution they make to the prosperity
of Qantas.
Put together with the fact that there is an ongoing shortage of skilled
engineering labour, the 5% claim appears very reasonable.
2. The Use of an Alternative Workforce
Earlier today, the ALAEA publicly announced that Qantas Management had been
recruiting "strike breakers" for use should the proposed industrial action
go ahead. Qantas CEO, Geoff Dixon, responded that he intended to use Qantas
staff to deal with any disruptions flowing from stop-work meetings to be
held tomorrow and next Friday. However, Geoff Dixon also said that he
reserved the right of Qantas Management to use whatever means necessary
should the dispute escalate beyond the current proposed action.
AIPA has publicly called on Qantas Management not to take any action that
would escalate the dispute, including the use of any alternative workforce.
The reputation and record of Qantas is built around a close collaboration
between its pilots and engineers. Any change or threat to that relationship
would be a matter of significant concern for AIPA and its members.
3. Our ALAEA Colleagues
No doubt this is a very stressful time for the elected officials of the
ALAEA and LAMEs generally. Please bear this in mind as you go about your
work and continue to treat our engineering colleagues with the respect, care
and dignity that they deserve.
With best wishes
Capt Ian Woods
AIPA President
p.s. I have just been informed that tomorrow's proposed industrial action
has been called off and that ACTU President Sharan Burrow has written to
Geoff Dixon proposing further talks between the ALAEA and Qantas Management.
AIPA supports this call and would welcome further talks.
United we stand,...................................................