Strike threat: Jetstar pilots set to cause Christmas chaos
Aussies planning to travel in December for Christmas could see major disruptions to their plansm, as Jetstar pilots threaten to strike in mid-December.
The Fair Work Commission has authorised for the pilots union to hold a ballot vote.
This will determine whether or not they will be moving further with their claims and is to take place next Monday.
It will decide on a number of actions, including deciding not to work overtime, refusing to follow standard fuel-saving procedures or stopping from working for up to 24 hours.
The current enterprise agreement states Jetstar employees are to receive a 3 per cent wage increase every year, as well as other benefits and allowances.
The Australian Federation of Air Pilots have asked for a pilot cost raise that was closer to 15 per cent.
“The union has been genuinely negotiating with Jetstar for nearly 12 months, but the company remains unwilling to shift on any of the pilots’ pay and conditions such as rostering,” AFAP executive director Simon Lutton said.
“Jetstar pilots simply want to be valued fairly in line with their peers at other airlines.”
Pay negotiations broke down after almost a year, resulting in Jetstar highlighting that further actions from the union will still not change its position.
It is understood a pilot's base salaries range from $230,000 to $320,000, under the current enterprise agreement.
A company spokesman for Jetstar labelled the union's decision as disappointing.
“We remain committed to reaching a new agreement to support the great work our people do every day, but not any cost,” the spokesman said.
“Making wage comparisons with loss-making airlines isn’t a compelling argument. We intend to make sure Jetstar has a sustainable cost base, which is what the union should want as well.”
The pilots and the airline both say they are committed to a mutually-agreed resolution and have scheduled their next bargaining meeting for November 29.