Qantas employees represented by the Australian Services Union (ASU) have voted to accept a new Enterprise Agreement that delivers substantial wage increases and enhanced job security measures. According to ASU, the result follows months of negotiations with the airline.
ASU said the agreement secures a minimum 5% wage increase in the first year, exceeding Qantas’ internal wage cap policy. Over the full term of the deal, employees will receive a cumulative 14% pay rise between now and 2028. Additionally, staff will receive backpay retroactive to July 1, 2025.
A key component of the agreement includes new protections requiring the Australian flag carrier to compensate employees for last-minute roster changes. According to Scott Cowen, ASU Assistant National Secretary, these provisions represent a major advancement for both worker welfare and airline safety, serving as safeguards against fatigue and exploitation.
Cowen described the outcome as a significant achievement for Qantas staff, noting that the airline has been focused on cost-cutting measures in recent years. He emphasized that union members fought persistently to secure the best possible terms from the carrier.
Ongoing concerns about management
Despite the successful vote, the ASU stressed that confidence in Qantas management remains low among union members. Cowen stated that while employees voted to accept the deal mainly due to much-needed financial security, they remain “skeptical” of a management team that continues pursuing outsourcing workforce and cost reduction strategies.
The union issued a warning that while the agreement resolves immediate pay and conditions, it will not tolerate continued outsourcing and offshoring of jobs. Cowen stressed the union’s commitment to fight for well-paid local positions that support Australians’ travel needs.
Though the ASU described the agreement as a current victory for workers, it emphasized that broader efforts to protect jobs will carry on.
“Today is a win for workers, but the fight for the future of decent aviation jobs in Australia continues,” Cowen said.
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