Fed: Qantas dispute to worsen if arline rejects mediation - AMWU

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2001
Fed: Qantas dispute to worsen if arline rejects mediation - AMWU

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union expects the Qantas industrial dispute to
escalate if the company refuses the latest offer for a mediator to the dispute.

Nine of 11 unions with members at Qantas have already accepted a company proposal for
an 18-month wage freeze.

But two maintenance unions are opposing the plan and have imposed rolling stoppages.

The Australian Workers' Union and the AMWU say the pay freeze is a drop in real wages
and unacceptable to workers.

Qantas and the two unions were in talks in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission
yesterday attempting to resolve the matter.

The talks ended with the airline agreeing to consider a proposal for arbitration suggested
by the unions.

AMWU assistant national secretary DAVE OLIVER told Channel Seven that if Qantas knocks
back this latest offer he can only see the dispute escalating.

Mr OLIVER says Qantas needs to come to the party to ensure there'll be no disruptions
to the flying public over the Christmas break.

AAP RTV dep/pc

KEYWORD: QANTAS AMWU (CANBERRA)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.