Australia’s Qantas says engineer strike not expected to impact customers

(Reuters) – Australia’s flag carrier Qantas Airways said on Friday it does not expect an impact on customers from a strike planned by some of its engineering work groups ahead of the annual general meeting scheduled for later in the day.

The Qantas Engineers’ Alliance — comprising the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, The Australian Workers’ Union and Electrical Trades Union — has been on strike since late-September, demanding a 5% annual pay rise and a 15% first-year payment.

The carrier had a “number of meetings” with the unions prior to the industrial action, with an aim to reach an agreement that includes pay rises and other benefits, a Qantas spokesperson said in a statement.

“We want to continue to engage with them to find a way forward, but they have chosen to take action,” the spokesperson said.