SYDNEY— Pilots at Qantas Freight (QF) are preparing for industrial action after rejecting a wage offer they claim undermines industry standards. The move will not impact parcel deliveries, as Qantas maintains contingency plans for freight through its passenger fleet.
More than 100 Express Freighters pilots servicing Australia Post overnight routes from airports like Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) may begin low-level protected action from Friday, following overwhelming union support.
Photo: QantasQantas Pilots Can Go on Strike
The dispute centers around Qantas’s current pay proposal, which unions say offers minimal improvement and fails to address pilots’ concerns about work-life balance and industry parity.
After six months of failed negotiations, over 90% of the affected pilots voted in favor of action, coordinated by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP), and the Australian and International Pilots Association, Daily Mail reported.
These pilots, who operate overnight parcel freight services for Australia Post on Qantas’s Express Freighters network, report spending up to 260 hours away from home monthly. Many claim their pay sits near the legal minimum, with insufficient rest periods and unpredictable rosters further straining quality of life.
The initial industrial action will be low-level, including refusing to work on scheduled days off and limiting pre-shift duties. However, unions warn that if Qantas does not return with a revised offer, the campaign may escalate.
Photo: Qantas FreightUnion Demands and Qantas Response
The unions are calling for pay increases aligned with comparable cargo pilot roles across the industry, enhanced roster protections, and additional rest days.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine criticized Qantas’s negotiating approach, stating the airline consistently prioritizes cost-cutting over fair labor practices.
AFAP executive director Simon Lutton reinforced that the pilots had no alternative, noting that Qantas’s current proposal ranks at the bottom of the industry on nearly all employment metrics.
In response, Qantas said its proposal includes “significant pay increases and lifestyle improvements” and that it continues to bargain in good faith. A spokesperson emphasized that the airline expects no disruption to parcel operations, as most freight continues to be carried in passenger aircraft.
Qantas has been under scrutiny for its labor practices across its supply chain, with several unions accusing the airline of outsourcing and eroding job conditions. In February 2025, Qantas posted a half-year pre-tax profit of AUD 1.39 billion, further fueling discontent among its workforce.
Unions argue that Qantas has the financial capacity to provide fair remuneration but chooses not to. They assert that investment in workers is critical to sustaining reliable operations and ensuring aviation safety.
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The post Qantas Freight Pilots May Go on Strike Amid Low Salary, 90% in Favor appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
