The in-principle pact covers about 1,700 long-haul pilots flying A380s, A330s and 787s, while a separate ground workers' dispute could soon send 650 staff into an industrial action vote.
Qantas and the Australian and International Pilots Association said they have reached a provisional wage agreement after the airline's long-haul pilots voted this week in favour of industrial action, including 24-hour stoppages and delayed sign-ons. The proposed deal would apply to about 1,700 pilots operating Qantas' Airbus A380 and A330 jets and Boeing 787 planes, mainly on international routes, while short-haul pilots remain under a separate agreement. AIPA said talks at the Fair Work Commission (Australia's industrial umpire) had advanced enough for the agreement to be formalised in the coming days. Qantas described the arrangement as an in-principle deal that would bring significant pay increases, rostering improvements and additional career progression opportunities while balancing business needs. The breakthrough comes as a Qantas ground workers' union said around 650 workers would soon vote on industrial action, showing labor tensions at the airline are not yet fully resolved.