The pilots’ union has insisted it will “continue to fight for Qantas” as it lost its challenge of the industrial umpire’s ban on industrial action, prompted by the airline’s unprecedented grounding of its fleet.
The application by the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) was today dismissed by a full bench of the Federal Court, with Fair Work Australia set to make a final decision on its dispute with Qantas later this year.
The AIPA had argued its industrial action, which saw Qantas’ long-haul pilots don red ties, was “responsible” and “doing no harm to the economy”. It insisted its actions had caused no disruption to the travel plans of the airline’s passengers.
“We believed – and continue to believe – that it was deeply unfair for the grossly irresponsible and militant actions of a CEO to be rewarded by terminating a measured and reasonable industrial campaign against his management,” vice president Captain Brad Hodson said.
“We respect the court’s decision today, however, we will continue to fight for the rights of Qantas pilots to continue flying Qantas aircraft safely and proudly as they have done for over 90 years.” Meanwhile, Qantas said it was “pleased” with the decision to dismiss the legal challenge by the pilots’ union.
“Qantas had supported the Federal Government in its defence of the decision by Fair Work Australia to end the damaging industrial action by three unions and Qantas’ action in response,” group executive government and corporate affairs Olivia Wirth said.
“Australians can continue to fly with Qantas with absolute confidence that they will not be disrupted by strikes or industrial action by these three unions.”
Pilots lose strike ban challenge
