Air Transport

Qantas Airways' professional engineers have voted to take industrial action against the carrier over wages.

The engineers want a 30% pay rise implemented over the next three years, says a Qantas spokesman, adding that this number is unreasonable.

"We're disappointed they are taking this action," he says. "We have not walked away from the negotiating table and remain committed to negotiating in good faith."

Of the 5,500 employees of Qantas engineering, approximately 150 are 'professional engineers'.

"They are a small but important part of our engineering team," says the spokesman.

The engineers are represented by the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists & Managers, Australia (APESMA).

The spokesman says under Australian law, 72hrs notice is required before industrial action. The union has yet to provide this, making any industrial action unlikely until 12 November, he adds.

"Should there be industrial action, we will have contingency plans and expect no disruptions. Safety will remain a priority and won't be compromised."