Jetstar pilots threaten Summer holiday strike
Thousands of summer holidays could be left in limbo as Jetstar pilots plan industrial action during the peak travel season, with low pay and pilot fatigue key concerns among the striking group.
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Jetstar pilots are threatening to walk off the job at the busiest time of the year over “general dissatisfaction” with salary, conditions, and rostering practices.
The Australian Federation of Air Pilots has taken the first step towards industrial action, applying to the Fair Work Commission for a ballot of members at the low-fare carrier.
At the core of the issue is disappointment that negotiations with the airline over a new enterprise agreement have not progressed satisfactorily.
AFAP executive director Simon Lutton said pilots also remained concerned about rostering practices that led to pilot fatigue but which had not been addressed in negotiations to date.
“The Jetstar pilots are disappointed to have to take this step but, as negotiating with the company in good faith has got them nowhere, they have been left with no choice,” Mr Lutton said.
“Jetstar pilots are the lowest-paid jet airline pilots employed by the four major carriers operating in Australia and they are tired of not being valued as highly as their peers at other airlines.”
Mr Lutton acknowledged any industrial action taken by pilots would affect the busy Christmas period.
A Jetstar spokeswoman said it was disappointing AFAP had applied for a vote on industrial action given they had been in “constructive discussions” about a new enterprise agreement since the start of the year.
“There are many complex areas to discuss and working through the AFAP’s numerous claims and their many modifications takes time,” she said.
“We remain committed to reaching an agreement for a new EBA to support the great work our people do every day, but not an any cost.”
Jetstar operates routes to all Australian capital cities as well as many international and domestic holiday destinations.
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Industrial action by Tigerair pilots at the start of the year ultimately led to the desired outcome for the workers, who secured a 16 per cent pay rise, and 2.5 per cent annual increases from December.
The deal saw a captain’s salary jump from $184,000 to $215,000 with scope to climb to $231,531 over the next three years.
THE AUSTRALIAN