31 October 2011 – 2:15am

After two straight days of hearings, the industrial action of all parties at Qantas, including the company’s proposed lock-out at 8pm Monday was terminated by Fair Work Australia early this morning.

While Qantas management are yet to make an announcement, it is expected this will mean Qantas re-commences flights this afternoon.

The AMWU, AWU, ETU (Qantas Engineers’ Alliance) and all other Qantas unions worked through 2 straight days of hearings in Fair Work Australia to achieve this outcome, following the shock announcement to ground the airline by CEO Allan Joyce at 5pm on Saturday.

The FWA decision found that economic harm was being caused by the Qantas actions, but not the action previously taken by unions.

The AMWU, AWU and ETU condemned the calculated move by Qantas management to cause maximum disruption for the travelling and public and staff to achieve this result.

The company had not exhausted all of its options in negotiations with unions and effectively held more than 68 000 passengers hostage to its agenda.

The three other unions which were engaged in bargaining will now focus on the process, which Fair Work Australia will conduct over the next 21 days.

The AMWU, AWU, and ETU, whose members are not engaged in current bargaining, sought to protect our members’ financial interests during the halt in operations.  Our members will not be affected and should continue working on their current rosters or as advised by their immediate managers.

Senior AMWU, AWU, ETU officials will attend a phone hook-up with Qantas management at 11am today.

Our unions will convene meetings of members in the near future to discuss these events and any future implications arising for members at Qantas that result from the unprecedented action of management over the weekend.

Download a PDF of this statement.

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30 October 2011 - 12pm

Update for Qantas members from Dave Oliver (AMWU), Paul Howes (AWU) and Matthew Murphy (ETU):

Our unions had many questions raised by members following the Qantas announcements and action taken yesterday.

We believe Qantas has a responsibility to those workers who are not involved in this dispute – and we believe the company should act accordingly.

We understand that Qantas has indicated employees who are not locked-out are able to attend work and be paid as normal.

We understand that Qantas has also informed employees they will be “reducing costs” while aircraft are not flying.

We have today written to Qantas seeking clarification on the following points:

•    Details on the work AME workers will be doing during LAME workers lock-out; and
•    Whether the company intends to use stand-down provisions – particularly in regards to employees not covered by Qantas proposed action.

We are also seeking legal advice about the potential use of stand down provisions under agreements applying to our members and/or to which we are a party.

The Alliance unions will keep our members informed of all discussions and developments surrounding these matters.

Members with any further questions should contact their local or national official.

Download a PDF of this statement.

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29/10/2011 - 9pm

The AMWU is shocked at the extraordinary and unprecedented act by Qantas this afternoon. The actions announced by CEO Alan Joyce today are irresponsible, outrageous and will damage the brand and reputation of Qantas.
 
The decision that Qantas management has taken will have an impact on Qantas workers and the thousands of travellers now left stranded in Australia and around the world.
 
On notification of this action your Union requested an urgent meeting of all airline unions be convened by the ACTU, this meeting took place at 8pm this evening. We have been advised that the Federal Government has made application to FWA for an urgent hearing. This hearing is scheduled for 10pm tonight.
 
We are taking all necessary steps to ensure our member’s interests are represented. A further meeting will be convened by the ACTU tomorrow followed by an AMWU leadership and Qantas convenors telephone conference.
 
Glenn Thompson
Assistant National Secretary
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union