Two weeks after a ban on strikes was issued by Fair Work Australia, prohibiting the Transport Worker’s Union, Australian Licenced Engineers Association and its pilot’s association from taking any industrial action against Qantas for a three-week period, the pilots at the carrier have taken the legal route to overturn the ban.

In an attempt to win back their right of industrial action against the airline, the lawyers representing the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) have initiated action in Sydney’s Federal Court. A similar challenge is also under consideration by the Transport Workers' Union – an organization that represents baggage handlers and other ground staff.

It was on October 31 that Fair Work Australia - prompted by Qantas’ decision to ground its global fleet – has given the two sparring parties a 21-day period to settle their disagreements of face obligatory intercession. It is also possible that indications of positive progress in talks may lead to an extension of the deadline by Fair Work.

Expressing the hope that it would be able to reach an agreement before the expiry of the negotiation process, Qantas said that the decision by Fair Work had provided certainty to Australian travelers.

In a statement, the carrier said: “Since Fair Work Australia’s decision, Qantas has resumed its normal services and held multiple conciliation meetings with each of the three unions in an attempt to reach an agreement.”