Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Qantas pilots get paid more than the prime minister

Qantas pilots are escalating their industrial campaign and planning a shareholder revolt even though senior captains earn more than the prime minister.

Figures obtained by News Ltd show the most senior pilots earn up to $536,000 a year. This is more than Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s base salary of $366,000.

Last year, some pilots received average pay rises of up to 17 per cent or $45,000, News Ltd said.

The leaked figures also showed that even a second officer on an A330 gets almost $150,000, on average, and starts on more than $110,000 a year.

The revelations come as the Australian and International Pilots Association plans a shareholder revolt against management decisions.

The union’s president, Captain Barry Jackson, said the pay of Qantas pilots was around the middle of international pay rates and was far less than chief executive Alan Joyce’s $5 million salary.

Qantas faces more strife on Thursday from baggage handlers and cabin crew.

Transport Workers’ Union members are striking in two-hour blocks at capital city and regional airports, beginning in Adelaide at 5am (CDT) and finishing at 8pm (AEDT) in Canberra as MPs try to leave the national capital.

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