A number of Qantas and Jetstar engineers are walking off the job on Thursday over a pay and condition dispute.

The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia (APESMA) said a small group of heavy maintenance engineers from Sydney, Brisbane and Avalon could strike for up to five business days, with more industrial action planned throughout the month and into January.

APESMA said Qantas was refusing to negotiate a new collective agreement and would not agree to fatigue management demands or company-sponsored professional development.

Senior Industrial Officer Alison Rose told AAP Thursday’s strike action would not see flights cancelled or planes grounded.

‘Professional engineers really care about the travelling public and have carefully planned industrial action to avoid disrupting travel over the Christmas period,’ she said.
Source： bigpondnews