Australian Airline Workers Achieve Substantial Pay Rise Amid Ongoing Concerns About Management Strategies

Qantas employees represented by the Australian Services Union have accepted a new Enterprise Agreement that delivers substantial wage increases and enhanced job security measures. According to AeroTime, the result follows months of negotiations with the airline. 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. AeroTime reports that ASU Assistant National Secretary Scott 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.