Qantas Airways said today that the great majority of members of the Australian Metal Workers Union and Australian Workers Union had now voted to approve a 30-month wages agreement with the airline.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer Geoff Dixon said the agreement covered over 2,000 Qantas staff.

“The yes vote is currently about 75 per cent and while some employees will vote tomorrow, the Unions have said they expect the vote to be carried.

“AMWU and AWU employees will receive a 3 per cent wage increase for the year beginning 1 July, 2002 and a 1.5 per cent increase for the six month period beginning 1 July, 2003,” Mr Dixon said.

“The agreement has also resulted in a simpler grading structure and improved career opportunities that will particularly benefit new employees, including apprentices.

“Importantly, this agreement will enable Qantas to be more competitive in the market for skilled trades staff.”

Mr Dixon said today`s agreement with the AMWU and AWU was consistent with the airline`s wages approach for employees and followed last month`s agreement with the Transport Workers Union for annual wage increases of 3 per cent from 1 July 2002.

“These agreements, covering over 7,000 Qantas employees, establish a good foundation for the next round of enterprise bargaining with other Unions.”

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