Source: Radio Australia Author: Mark Douglass 06/24/2008
Subject Concerned: Airlines Human Resource
The stand-off between engineers for Australia's biggest airline, Qantas, and management looks likely to continue into next week.
Our reporter says Qantas engineers have ramped up their industrial action, causing dozens of flight cancellations and long delays for domestic and international travellers.
Paul Cousins from the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association says unless management resumes negotiations on a new pay deal, there will be further disruption.
"The ball is in Qantas' court," he said.
"They can stop this dispute at any time by coming back to the table with a reasonable offer."
But Qantas chief, Geoff Dixon, says the engineers won't get the five per cent pay rise they want.
In the meantime, Qantas is planning to carry out maintenance checks in Los Angeles and London.
The union is considering action on June 27 and again next week.