‘Significant’ pay rise secured for frontline Qantas staff

Qantas employees have accepted a new enterprise agreement that includes a substantial pay rise and job security protections.

Editor’s note: This story first appeared on HR Leader’s sister brand, Australian Aviation.

Around 3,600 Australian Services Union (ASU) members, half of whom work in Qantas customer service at airports and lounges, will receive a minimum 5 per cent first-year wage increase, as well as back pay to 1 July, roster protections, and the ability to cash out annual leave.

“This is a significant win for Qantas staff who have secured significant wage increases from an airline that has focused on cost-cutting measures,” said ASU assistant national secretary Scott Cowen.

“Our members have fought hard to lock in a pay rise of 14 per cent delivered between now and 2028. Crucially, they have also secured protections that stop Qantas from expecting staff to accept changes to their rosters on short notice without any compensation.

“These roster protections are a major win for airline safety and a safeguard against fatigue and exploitation.”

Around 60 per cent of employees who voted supported the deal, which remains subject to Fair Work approval. A Qantas spokesperson said the new agreement “brings certainty” for its people and its business.

“It includes a number of benefits for employees, including annual pay rises and more roster protections, as well as productivity benefits for the business,” the spokesperson said.

The offer had been under negotiation since February, with the new agreement coming several months after Qantas was handed a record $90 million fine for illegally outsourcing around 1,800 ground workers in 2020.

According to Cowen, ASU members remain distrustful of Qantas management despite the deal.

“Members have voted for this deal because it delivers the financial security they deserve right now, but they remain deeply sceptical of a management team that continues to push outsourcing and cost cutting,” he said.

“We are putting Qantas on notice: this agreement settles pay and conditions for now, but we will not stand by while jobs are outsourced and offshored.

“We will fight hard for well-paid, local jobs that help Australians get to where they need to go. Today is a win for workers, but the fight for the future of decent aviation jobs in Australia continues.”