Unions call on Qantas to support local jobs and keep maintenance onshore

16 February 2012

The Qantas Engineers' Alliance - representing all aircraft engineers at Qantas - is calling on Qantas to maintain its commitment to onshore maintenance as a condition of the review of maintenance requirements announced today by the airline.

The alliance – comprised of AMWU, AWU and ETU members at Qantas – welcomes statements from Qantas last night indicating reports of offshoring are 'totally incorrect'.

The alliance also recognises that new aircraft will have different maintenance requirements from the current fleet.

AMWU National Secretary Dave Oliver noted advertising Qantas has recently produced, highlighting the fact that 90% of its maintenance is done in Australia.

Qantas shoud stick to its own commitments

"I believe Qantas should stick by commitments it has recently made in its own advertising and guarantee that 90% of its maintenance remains in Australia regardless of any review of maintenance," Mr Oliver said.

"We will vigorously campaign against any proposals to offshore any maintenance resulting from the review.

"The standards and quality of the Qantas Australian maintenance operations have delivered a safety record that is second to none. Alan Joyce recognised that fact this morning and reiterated Qantas commitment to doing 90% of its maintenance in Australia."

Qantas has a corporate responsibility to local jobs

AWU National Secretary Paul Howes said Qantas had a corporate responsibility as an Australian icon to support local jobs.

"Qantas provides more than 6000 jobs across Australia," Mr Howes said.

"These jobs and a commitment to our local airline industry are an important part of its corporate responsibility as our national carrier.

"We will work with our members to support them through this review process – and aim to minimise any job losses caused by the new maintenance requirements of any new aircraft."