Qantas FIFO pilots begin strike in WA

Qantas FIFO pilots in WA have begun their 24-hour strike that is set to last until the end of the day. The move by the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) against subsidiary Network Aviation will likely result in huge disruption for the state’s major mining companies, given that the Flying Kangaroo controls more than 40% of the local sector. The union previously said it was taking the action because its members were being paid “significantly” less than those at comparable carriers. The airline, in response, has criticised the AFAP for “refusing to engage in further negotiations or conciliation opportunities”. Network Aviation operates more than 300 weekly flights, with regular services from Perth Airport and charter flights for mining, corporates, and emergency freight. The strike action was announced on Friday and saw more than 99% of AFAP pilot members vote to take industrial action. In total, 209 of the 211 AFAP members eligible to participate submitted a vote.<br/>