Negotiations with Qantas Airlines management representatives resumed this week in Chicago, IL under the auspices of the National Mediation Board. Your full Union negotiating committee was present and prepared for this week. A lot of time has been spent not only in direct negotiations, but also in preparatory work behind the scenes on both the remaining open language issues and the economic elements of both Qantas and their relative position as compared to competitors in the United States.
Time was spent both apart and together in direct negotiations with all meetings led by the mediator. The Union and Company both reviewed their respective positions for the mediator. Additional constructive dialogue was had that has helped better define the Union’s position and why it is justified.
While this session was productive, no additional agreements were reached albeit one which will be communicated shortly via a separate bulletin. Additional dates for in-person negotiations have already been set to occur during the week of October 26 in Chicago, IL. All parties are trying to secure a date for an intermediate virtual meeting which will be shared when confirmed.
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We thank you for your continued solidarity and support.
Sincerely and fraternally,
| James M. Samuel General Chairperson | Boris Kochanoff General Chairperson | |
| Edward Berg IAM Union Consultant | Saneel Kumar LAME, Qantas Airways LAX | Miguel Maldonado SAME, Qantas Airways LAX |