Arbitration to provide certainty for business and travellers

Fair Work Australia will arbitrate new agreements between Qantas and the Australian International Pilots Association (AIPA), the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers’ Association (ALAEA), Minister for Workplace Relations and Senator Chris Evans said today.

“While it is disappointing that the parties were unable to achieve a negotiated agreement, Fair Work Australia will now resolve the issues for them,” Senator Evans said.

“Fair Work Australia’s decisions will be final and binding on all parties.  The order terminating industrial action remains in place and no protected industrial action can be taken during the arbitration period.

Senator Evans said in the coming days Fair Work Australia would begin the arbitration process and determine an outcome to settle the dispute.

“In making a workplace determination, Fair Work Australia must take into account factors including the interests of the parties and the public interest, how productivity might be improved and the conduct of the parties during the bargaining period,” Senator Evans said.

“In the interests of certainty for the travelling public, the tourism industry and the wider economy, the Government will oppose any challenge to the current order terminating industrial action at Qantas.

“The Government applied for the order from Fair Work Australia and we have made clear we will vigorously defend that order.”