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Dozens of regional Qantas flights departing Perth Airport have been cancelled as pilots strike in an attempt to address what they say are substandard wages.
Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) members at Qantas subsidiary Network Aviation announced 24-hour industrial action for Wednesday, leading to significant cancellations.
The union says it has taken the strike action in order to address what it claims are illegal rates for some of its pilots.
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"The Australian Federation of Air Pilots is disappointed we have had to take this action and remains committed to reaching an agreement for our members who fly for Qantas domestically in Western Australia," senior industrial officer Chris Aikens said on Monday.
"Negotiations on an expired Enterprise Agreement have been at a standstill since March, leaving most Network Aviation pilots with wages and conditions that are well below industry standards.
"Many of these pilots even earn less than what is included in the Air Pilots Award, which is the bare legal minimum.
"Network Aviation's pilots are simply asking for something that is affordable and sustainable for the company and its workforce."
It is demanding a 50 per cent pay increase.
Qantas has offered a one-off increase of up to 25 per cent.
The airline accused the AFAP of disrupting the travel plans of thousands of Western Australians, saying half of Network Aviation's planned flights have had to be cancelled.
"The union has finally accepted our offer to return to the negotiating table, but it's disappointing that they are continuing with their disruptive strike action, which has been timed to hurt travellers during the busy school holiday period," Network Aviation COO Trevor Worgan said.
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"We've protected as much flying as we possibly can, but unfortunately our contingency options can only cover part of our regular schedule and we have had to cancel dozens of flights.
"Our offer provides Network Aviation pilots up to 25 per cent pay increases immediately and other benefits, but the union is demanding unreasonable increases of more than 50 per cent."
Qantas says it has rebooked 75 per cent affected customers onto different flights today, and is offering refunds to people who no longer wish to fly due to the disruptions.
It says it will cover accommodation fees for passengers who aren't able to travel today as a result of the strike.
