Pilots deny contracts claim

Press, 7 September 1989, Page 8

Pilots deny contracts claim

NZPA-AAP Sydney The Australian Federation of Air Pilots yesterday denied claims that domestic pilots who resigned two weeks ago had signed new contracts and were returning to work. The federation president, Brian McCarthy,

r said “not one” pilot had signed a new contract. Ansett Airlines’ chief, Sir Peter Abeles, said on t Tuesday that an unspecified number of pilots had i signed new contracts > offering a 6 per cent rise > in the base salary, plus increases in flying pay - and'vbvertime in return , for'productivity improve-

ments. Mr McCarthy said he had received information that “not one” pilot who resigned en masse two weeks ago in support of a 29.5 per cent pay claim had signed a contract. He said five management pilots who had not resigned might Mhave signed new contracts with

the airlines. Mr McCarthy said he did not know what the airlines had offered in meetings with individual pilots on Tuesday. “All I really know is that the pilots have gone in there and said ,the contracts . are unacceptable and (were) not signing,” he said.