Qantas staff secure major pay rise and key roster protections in new deal
Australian Services Union (ASU) Media Release 10 December 2025
Australian Services Union (ASU) members at Qantas have today voted to accept a new Enterprise Agreement that secures significant wage increases and vital job security protections, following months of negotiations.
The new agreement delivers a wage increase of a minimum 5% in the first year —well above the company’s internal wage cap policy. Members have also secured backpay to 1 July 2025 and new protections to ensure staff are compensated for late changes in rosters.
ASU Assistant National Secretary, Scott Cowen said the result was a testament to the resolve of union members who fought hard to gain the best possible outcome from the airline.
“This is a significant win for Qantas staff who have secured significant wage increases from an airline that has focused on cost cutting measures,” said Mr Cowen.
“Our members have fought hard to lock in a pay rise of 14% delivered between now and 2028. Crucially they have also secured protections that stop Qantas from expecting staff to accept changes to their rosters on short notice without any compensation.
“These roster protections are a major win for airline safety and a safeguard against fatigue and exploitation.”
Despite the successful vote, the ASU warns that trust in Qantas management remains low.
“While we celebrate this win, there is still more work to do.
“Members have voted for this deal because it delivers the financial security they deserve right now, but they remain deeply sceptical of a management team that continues to push outsourcing and cost cutting,” said Mr Cowen.
“We are putting Qantas on notice: this agreement settles pay and conditions for now, but we will not stand by while jobs are outsourced and offshored
“We will fight hard for well-paid, local jobs that help Australians get to where they need to go.
“Today is a win for workers, but the fight for the future of decent aviation jobs in Australia continues.”
Media Contact: Michael Chaitow 0432 629 342
