Source: Radio Australia Author: 06/24/2008
Subject Concerned: Airlines Human Resource
The Australian engineering union taking industrial action against international air carrier Qantas over a pay dispute, has apologised to people who may experience delays at airports.
The federal president of the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association, Paul Cousins, says there will be further stop work meetings in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
The union is calling for a five per cent pay increase, but Qantas management says it can only offer three per cent in the current environment of high oil prices.
Mr Cousins says Qantas engineers deserve a bigger slice of the airline's profits, despite the price of oil.
"If you're able to make a few billion dollars in such a tough climate, and you've made it off the back of your employees working very very hard," he said.
"I think it is appropriate that you give something back to them."