Merged: Qantas Engineers Set to Strike
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Fairfax press and the ABC are reporting that Industrial action for tomorrow is off and negotiations may be starting up. QF's share price is up today from 3.45 to to currently 3.68 on the news. (noted!)
Engineers need 10% not a pathetic 5%
You also NEED to strike to prove your point. The airlines already know that engineers don't like the idea of striking and so unless you actually do it to prove your resolve then the negotiation is lost.
You guys are so powerful -- if you would just stick together and make this happen your employment conditions would become exactly what you want.
You also NEED to strike to prove your point. The airlines already know that engineers don't like the idea of striking and so unless you actually do it to prove your resolve then the negotiation is lost.
You guys are so powerful -- if you would just stick together and make this happen your employment conditions would become exactly what you want.
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GD on the ABC radio this morning said that shareholders were more important than the QF employees and derserved the money as dividends before the workers got 1 cent more than 3% offered.
as for the increased jobs in Qf that GD always sprouts, it hasn't been at the coal face in engineering, I recall we were around 2100, now 1500 LAME's with many more aircraft (Qf & customer) on line and they are flying them longer each day reducing maintenance time available.
Sad thing is, 3%, 5%, $200k or whatever, the problems facing engineering (or your dept.) are still there the very next day;
same management,
lack of manpower,
increasing work load,
fatigue issues,
stress issues,
training....which if we got, we'd loose people off the floor to do the work
Engineering are under resourced, doing safety critical maintenance at 5am, while under fatigue and stress and often without proper meal breaks. I'ts a bloody wonder it still functions
Basically there appears to be no hope of a "sustainable future" for this airline, no matter what GD tells the media or shareholders.
God only knows where it will end up.
but this fight is way beyond a pay rise, it IS about our futures........
delta4
as for the increased jobs in Qf that GD always sprouts, it hasn't been at the coal face in engineering, I recall we were around 2100, now 1500 LAME's with many more aircraft (Qf & customer) on line and they are flying them longer each day reducing maintenance time available.
Sad thing is, 3%, 5%, $200k or whatever, the problems facing engineering (or your dept.) are still there the very next day;
same management,
lack of manpower,
increasing work load,
fatigue issues,
stress issues,
training....which if we got, we'd loose people off the floor to do the work
Engineering are under resourced, doing safety critical maintenance at 5am, while under fatigue and stress and often without proper meal breaks. I'ts a bloody wonder it still functions
Basically there appears to be no hope of a "sustainable future" for this airline, no matter what GD tells the media or shareholders.
God only knows where it will end up.
but this fight is way beyond a pay rise, it IS about our futures........
delta4
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You said it delta 4
Someone should tell GD that unless he has staff to make the airline function so customers actually get from A to B on time(haha) there would be no shareholders....
Someone should tell GD that unless he has staff to make the airline function so customers actually get from A to B on time(haha) there would be no shareholders....
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Where it will end.
If they keep pushing, I hope it never comes to it but all the ingredients are there now,they will get coverage on every major news coverage in the world but know one will like the TITLE or the PICTURES.
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Terresa Green, I definately wasn't meaning to be derogatory when I called lame's blue collar workers, sorry if it came across like that. The term probably conjurs up different images in my brain than it does in yours, I associate it with hard working/honest people who are productive. I dug this definition up on a web site;
"The term blue-collar is derived from uniform dress codes of industrial workplaces. Industrial and manual workers wear durable clothing that can be soiled or scrapped at work. A popular element of such “work clothes” has been, and still is, a light or navy blue shirt. Blue is also a popular color for coveralls, and will usually carry a name tag of the company/establishment on one side, and the individual's name on the other. Often these items are bought by the company and laundered by the establishment as well."
During the seven years I was fixing planes I pretty much always wore " a light or navy blue shirt. Blue is also a popular color for coveralls, and will usually carry a name tag of the company/establishment on one side, and the individual's name on the other".
Cheers.
PS Did you guys strike? I passed through Brisbane and saw plenty of guys/gals on the tarmac and we weren't delayed.
"The term blue-collar is derived from uniform dress codes of industrial workplaces. Industrial and manual workers wear durable clothing that can be soiled or scrapped at work. A popular element of such “work clothes” has been, and still is, a light or navy blue shirt. Blue is also a popular color for coveralls, and will usually carry a name tag of the company/establishment on one side, and the individual's name on the other. Often these items are bought by the company and laundered by the establishment as well."
During the seven years I was fixing planes I pretty much always wore " a light or navy blue shirt. Blue is also a popular color for coveralls, and will usually carry a name tag of the company/establishment on one side, and the individual's name on the other".
Cheers.
PS Did you guys strike? I passed through Brisbane and saw plenty of guys/gals on the tarmac and we weren't delayed.
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Often these items are bought by the company and laundered by the establishment as well.
Rofl, other than 3% increases,that is pretty much all QF have done for anyone other than management for years is supply and launder their clothes.
Rofl, other than 3% increases,that is pretty much all QF have done for anyone other than management for years is supply and launder their clothes.
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FYI readers. Latest notice out now.
After a meeting today with ACTU President Sharan Burrow, we have decided to take the responsible decision of postponing our stop work meetings planned for Friday the 16th and 23rd of May. Sharan has advised that she will be writing to Geoff Dixon calling for further meetings of the parties with ACTU guidance. We were more than happy to take the responsible approach considering a number of developments in the past 2 days. The PIA Overtime bans remain in place and must be adhered to by all members.
With the huge amount of publicity regarding our dispute, we have taken stock of where we sit tactically and are pleased with some of the results of this week’s events. For those concerned about lockouts, the bad press regarding strikebreaker labour has forced the following public statement from the Qantas CEO -
“We have no intention of locking anybody out,” Mr Dixon said
“We have no intention of replacing our workforce. There'll be no balaclavas, there will be no dogs.”
Malaysian Airlines have approached us for assistance to help them identify their employees who may have abandoned employment or broken company policies by accepting Newport Aviation contracts. Over the weekend we had reports that the $100,000 6 month wage for strikebreakers had been increased to $140,000 due to the reluctance of LAMEs to accept the contracts and this may have created a divide within the alternative workforce. Strikebreakers would be aware by now that there is intense media scrutiny of their movements and they may find themselves identified through the media. We understand that a number of strikebreakers have withdrawn their services.
Our office has received some calls today from members complaining that they heard of the latest developments from the press before we had issued a notice. Quite simply, if a notice had been issued first, we would have lost our advantage in the public relations battle. Members will continue to receive ALAEA advice and notifications when they need it.
Press reports that the ALAEA has backed down and are now talking about the acceptance of a lesser offer are false. We are seeking a 5% pa wage rise and your continued pressure from overtime bans will assist this process. Now is the time to remind Qantas that they have been overzealous with their redundancy programs and rely too much on our goodwill to keep Qantas planes on time. Goodwill should flow both ways and until it does, ours has been withdrawn. Members should continue to expect the unexpected.
Today’s decision was a significant move in winning public and political support for our objectives. Members should be aware by now that this dispute is not taking place in a vacuum and will not be won overnight. The ALAEA is receiving advice and support from all quarters and will continue to play our cards at the right time.
STEPHEN PURVINAS
Federal Secretary
After a meeting today with ACTU President Sharan Burrow, we have decided to take the responsible decision of postponing our stop work meetings planned for Friday the 16th and 23rd of May. Sharan has advised that she will be writing to Geoff Dixon calling for further meetings of the parties with ACTU guidance. We were more than happy to take the responsible approach considering a number of developments in the past 2 days. The PIA Overtime bans remain in place and must be adhered to by all members.
With the huge amount of publicity regarding our dispute, we have taken stock of where we sit tactically and are pleased with some of the results of this week’s events. For those concerned about lockouts, the bad press regarding strikebreaker labour has forced the following public statement from the Qantas CEO -
“We have no intention of locking anybody out,” Mr Dixon said
“We have no intention of replacing our workforce. There'll be no balaclavas, there will be no dogs.”
Malaysian Airlines have approached us for assistance to help them identify their employees who may have abandoned employment or broken company policies by accepting Newport Aviation contracts. Over the weekend we had reports that the $100,000 6 month wage for strikebreakers had been increased to $140,000 due to the reluctance of LAMEs to accept the contracts and this may have created a divide within the alternative workforce. Strikebreakers would be aware by now that there is intense media scrutiny of their movements and they may find themselves identified through the media. We understand that a number of strikebreakers have withdrawn their services.
Our office has received some calls today from members complaining that they heard of the latest developments from the press before we had issued a notice. Quite simply, if a notice had been issued first, we would have lost our advantage in the public relations battle. Members will continue to receive ALAEA advice and notifications when they need it.
Press reports that the ALAEA has backed down and are now talking about the acceptance of a lesser offer are false. We are seeking a 5% pa wage rise and your continued pressure from overtime bans will assist this process. Now is the time to remind Qantas that they have been overzealous with their redundancy programs and rely too much on our goodwill to keep Qantas planes on time. Goodwill should flow both ways and until it does, ours has been withdrawn. Members should continue to expect the unexpected.
Today’s decision was a significant move in winning public and political support for our objectives. Members should be aware by now that this dispute is not taking place in a vacuum and will not be won overnight. The ALAEA is receiving advice and support from all quarters and will continue to play our cards at the right time.
STEPHEN PURVINAS
Federal Secretary
Cjam and Yikes
All you need do is to apply the tech log and MEL rigorously in compliance with the regs. No more no less.
That will give the engineers all the ammunition and leverage they need.
No union directive or initiative required. Just stick to the rules. If it's sus, write it up. Don't move until it's fixed or MEL'ed. Quite simple really, and it's a no jeopardy situation. A union with half a ball would back you if some company thug tries to heavy you, (but then again we are talking about AIPA aren't we
)
Maui
All you need do is to apply the tech log and MEL rigorously in compliance with the regs. No more no less.
That will give the engineers all the ammunition and leverage they need.
No union directive or initiative required. Just stick to the rules. If it's sus, write it up. Don't move until it's fixed or MEL'ed. Quite simple really, and it's a no jeopardy situation. A union with half a ball would back you if some company thug tries to heavy you, (but then again we are talking about AIPA aren't we
)Maui
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ABC Web Site at 1652 today
Qantas engineers call off stop-work action
Posted 3 hours 28 minutes ago
Updated 2 hours 19 minutes ago
Around 1,500 Qantas engineers were planning to walk off the job. (File photo) (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
The engineers are locked in a dispute over a wage deal, and had accused Qantas of recruiting strike breakers to thwart industrial action.
But Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) president Sharan Burrow says she has asked unions to postpone tomorrow's industrial action.
She wants Qantas management to come back to the bargaining table.
"This is not a backdown for these workers, they're prepared to put on the action, I don't want anybody left in doubt about that," she said.
"When I got up this morning and looked at the situation I decided that it would be best for everybody to get a much broader discussion through the unions.
"You can't do that in a few hours."
Ms Burrow says she will write to Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon this afternoon to ask him to come back to the negotiating table.
"It would be very hard for the Australian public to actually understand why Qantas would threaten their job security, would refuse to sit at the table to bargain for a very simple request, which is just a maintenance of living standards," she said.
"I think even Geoff Dixon would say that's a reasonable request."
Steve Purvinas from the Licenced Engineers Association says it will meet with other unions next week and in the meantime will continue with overtime bans.
"I don't think this is [a] backdown, I think it's a responsible step that needed to be taken, he said
Posted 3 hours 28 minutes ago
Updated 2 hours 19 minutes ago
Around 1,500 Qantas engineers were planning to walk off the job. (File photo) (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
- Audio: Qantas, union trade lying allegations (The World Today)
- Related Story: Strike set to cause Qantas delays
The engineers are locked in a dispute over a wage deal, and had accused Qantas of recruiting strike breakers to thwart industrial action.
But Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) president Sharan Burrow says she has asked unions to postpone tomorrow's industrial action.
She wants Qantas management to come back to the bargaining table.
"This is not a backdown for these workers, they're prepared to put on the action, I don't want anybody left in doubt about that," she said.
"When I got up this morning and looked at the situation I decided that it would be best for everybody to get a much broader discussion through the unions.
"You can't do that in a few hours."
Ms Burrow says she will write to Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon this afternoon to ask him to come back to the negotiating table.
"It would be very hard for the Australian public to actually understand why Qantas would threaten their job security, would refuse to sit at the table to bargain for a very simple request, which is just a maintenance of living standards," she said.
"I think even Geoff Dixon would say that's a reasonable request."
Steve Purvinas from the Licenced Engineers Association says it will meet with other unions next week and in the meantime will continue with overtime bans.
"I don't think this is [a] backdown, I think it's a responsible step that needed to be taken, he said
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To put their requested pay increase in perspective
2006
Likewise, Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon received a package worth over $6.4 million. Last year, Qantas relocated cabin crew jobs overseas to reduce its wages bill and threatened the jobs of maintenance workers unless they made substantial concessions to cut costs.
Link here http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/ja...ceos-j26.shtml
2006
Likewise, Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon received a package worth over $6.4 million. Last year, Qantas relocated cabin crew jobs overseas to reduce its wages bill and threatened the jobs of maintenance workers unless they made substantial concessions to cut costs.
Link here http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/ja...ceos-j26.shtml
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This is not a backdown for these workers, they're prepared to put on the action, I don't want anybody left in doubt about that," she said.
"When I got up this morning and looked at the situation I decided that it would be best for everybody to get a much broader discussion through the unions.
"You can't do that in a few hours."
"When I got up this morning and looked at the situation I decided that it would be best for everybody to get a much broader discussion through the unions.
"You can't do that in a few hours."
Qantas has had over a year to negotiate with the union (if you can call it that)and they still wont budge from their appalling 3% offer.If this isn't backing down then I don't know what is.
My fellow engineers we must do the hard yards in order to get what we deserve.
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This guy (GD) is one cool customer, he didn't get to the most hated by the QF employees for being a nice guy. I feel he has a card or two up his sleeve, this guy ain't gunna give away a thing without taking down someone with him. These business types think their so far beyond the natural law of decency because of their percieved power that they now live in a vacuum insulated from the man on the street. If & I truley wish this happens that the engineers can succeed in getting even 0.5 % more than what GD will offer will be a huge move forward a slap in the face for the GD's of the world & will be a win for the decent hard working folk out there, the ones that keep GD well heeled in his overly padded chair of life! It would be a sign, a sign for all to rejoice.
Again as said numerous times here, good luck although you guys don't really need it & even if by some slight chance the 5% doesn't get up then that doesn't mean yr worth less, it means that GD is worthless!
At the end of the day GD is older than most wishing him gone. he can't last 4ever & he can't take his ill gotten wealth with him, he can't ever hurt anyone like he is now after he is gone & he leaves a bitter taste in a lot of peoples mouths that will haunt his family & friends long after he has gone. I don't with this upon his family nobody would am sure but it would be nice if nothing else if his close friends(if he has any!)/family could take him aside & simply say, is it or was all that money/power really worth the legacy you have shamefully left us?
CW
Again as said numerous times here, good luck although you guys don't really need it & even if by some slight chance the 5% doesn't get up then that doesn't mean yr worth less, it means that GD is worthless!
At the end of the day GD is older than most wishing him gone. he can't last 4ever & he can't take his ill gotten wealth with him, he can't ever hurt anyone like he is now after he is gone & he leaves a bitter taste in a lot of peoples mouths that will haunt his family & friends long after he has gone. I don't with this upon his family nobody would am sure but it would be nice if nothing else if his close friends(if he has any!)/family could take him aside & simply say, is it or was all that money/power really worth the legacy you have shamefully left us?
CW
Last edited by Capt Wally; 15th May 2008 at 12:31.