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A “bottom-of-the-industry” pay offer has pushed Qantas group pilots one step closer to striking.
After six months of negotiation, both the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) and Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) have filed protected action ballots at Express Freighters Australia, pushing commercial pilots that perform air freight work a step closer towards industrial action.
Express Freighters Australia resides as a cargo line owned by Qantas Freight, which has previously been embroiled in pay disputes with the TWU – resulting in pay increases for freight workers under the “same job, same pay” legislation.
According to the TWU, Qantas has refused to improve a pay offer that would “entrench poor work/life balance” for pilots – leading to the industrial action (IA) submission. If the submission is successful, over 100 pilots would have the right to industrial action.
“This bottom-of-the-industry offer to pilots is an insult off the back of record profits at Qantas,” said TWU national assistant secretary Emily McMillan.
Both TWU and AFAP are pushing for industry standard pay increases, improved roster protections, and a better work/life balance through the implementation of more days off.
The news comes off the back of Qantas apologising to former staff after outsourcing more than 1,700 roles in the middle of COVID-19.
“Last week, Qantas was in the Federal Court saying it had changed its appalling attitude towards its workforce, but we’re still seeing no signs of it,” said McMillan.
“It’s time for Qantas to come to the bargaining table with a fair offer that reflects the industry standard and improves work/life balance for pilots under significant pressure. If Qantas are serious about staff retention, in particular pilot retention, that starts with respect and fair pay and conditions for their workforce.
“We cannot trust airlines like Qantas to act in the interests of workers or the travelling public. Ultimately, we need a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of all parties – not just highly-paid executives.”
AFAP executive director Simon Lutton hit out at Qantas over the contradictory nature of its conduct based on its recent statements: “Overall, it seems to us that, despite recent rhetoric to the contrary, Qantas has not changed its industrial relations approach at all.
“This is the same unnecessarily combative approach as was taken in the last round of negotiations when EFA/Qantas forced through a sub-standard agreement under the threat of taking away back pay.
“We requested enterprise bargaining commence in June 2024 when it became apparent that the salaries provided under the current EFA EA were about to fall below the award salary. EFA management refused this request, and bargaining finally commenced in January 2025.
“To say we were extremely disappointed with the proposal that the company finally put to the pilots on 14 May is an enormous understatement.
“EFA pilots are sending the company a clear and unequivocal message that its offer is simply nowhere near good enough, and they are prepared to fight for more.”
In a statement given to HR Leader’s sister brand, Australian Aviation, a Qantas spokesperson said: “We’re bargaining in good faith for a new agreement and recently put forward a proposal that includes significant pay increases and other benefits for our freighter pilots.
“So it’s disappointing that the unions have taken this step instead of continuing discussions. It’s our preference to reach an agreement that supports our freight pilots and ensures a sustainable business.
“In the meantime, we’ll work on contingency plans to ensure we can continue to move Australia’s critical air freight should industrial action eventuate.”
Kace O'Neill
Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.
