The Qantas long haul pilot group has rejected the proposed enterprise agreement, with 66% voting against it from a 95% participation rate.
Executive Director Simon Lutton confirmed that the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP), which represents a growing number of long haul pilots, had recommended its members vote no on the Long Haul proposal, saying the result sent a clear message to Qantas.
“Despite the company pressure to vote yes, pilots have made it clear that this deal does not meet the standard they expect and deserve,” said Mr Lutton.
“The AFAP repeatedly told Qantas management that AFAP endorsement was critical to securing a successful vote. Qantas refused to listen and failed to address the concerns raised by pilots and their representatives, including a two-year wage freeze."
Mr Lutton said the pay increases contained in the proposal were also unlikely to keep pace with projected inflation, meaning pilots would continue to face growing cost-of-living pressures.
“The increases on offer are unlikely to match inflation over the life of the agreement, which means pilots would go backwards in real terms while continuing to face rising living costs,” he said.
“Pilots have stood together and made it clear they expect better.”
The long-haul agreement covers about 1700 pilots who fly Qantas’ wide-body fleet (Airbus 330, Airbus 380, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner ) for the airline’s international routes.
This vote result compels a return to negotiations.