Qantas engineers strike in major cities over pay disputes

On Monday morning, flights across major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, are expected to face disruptions due to a two-hour strike by Qantas line maintenance engineers. This industrial action follows a prolonged dispute over pay, with engineers demanding a 5% annual increase and a 15% payment in the first year to compensate for three and a half years of wage freezes. The engineers, represented by a union alliance, began their strike on Thursday, which has already seen some work stoppages. Qantas management has stated that they have contingencies in place to minimize the impact on travelers, asserting that no disruptions occurred over the previous weekend despite the ongoing industrial action. The airline has been in negotiations with the engineers since April, aiming to reach an agreement that includes pay rises and lifestyle benefits. The situation has escalated as morale among engineers has reportedly declined, with union representatives expressing frustration over management's handling of wage negotiations. The engineers' strike is part of a broader trend of industrial action in various sectors, reflecting growing discontent over pay and working conditions. As the strike unfolds, Qantas continues to emphasize its commitment to maintaining service levels and ensuring passenger safety. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial in determining the future relationship between Qantas management and its engineering staff, as well as the airline's operational stability.