A 3 1/2 hour hearing into the Qantas dispute tonight has failed to resolve the impasse between the carrier and unions representing ground staff, international pilots and engineers.
The Fair Work Australia tribunal, convened at the request of the Federal Government on the grounds that the dispute is likely to cause significant damage to the economy, heard arguments from government officials, Qantas and the unions but failed to come to a decision.
The case will resume today at 2pm, with Qantas and the Federal, NSW and Victorian governments all pushing for termination of the industrial action.
However the union groups are arguing that the strikes instead be suspended, which would allow them to resume the industrial action at a later stage.
During tonight’s hearing Federal Transport Department secretary, Mike Mrdak, urged a rapid decision because of the importance of Qantas flights to the tourism industry, as well as the national economy.
Testimony from the Transport Workers Union questioned the timing of the announcement of the grounding by Alan Joyce, while other unions expressed concerns about the legality of the Qantas actions and instead urged a 90-day suspension of the industrial action to allow negotiations to continue.
MEANWHILE Qantas Holidays and Viva! Holidays have advised TD that their contact centres will be open tomorrow to assist agents in making alternative arrangements for their clients.
The wholesaler also confirmed it would match any waiver policies issued by Qantas in relation to the dispute.
Etihad Airways has also pledged its support to Australian travellers disrupted by the Qantas groundings, with options being considered in discussions with Virgin Australia including operating a shuttle service between Sydney and Melbourne using EY aircraft, as well as potentially operating a daily flight between Sydney and Bangkok.
“We also stand ready to assist Qantas passengers who are stranded overseas and need to travel home, and have advised our call centres worldwide to do everything possible to assist people in these circumstances,” said Etihad ceo James Hogan.
More information in Monday’s Travel Daily.