Qantas hopeful of an agreement with unions

Qantas Airways says it is hopeful of reaching an agreement with three key unions representing its pilots, aircraft engineers and baggage handlers by the November 21 deadline. “We continue to be hopeful we can reach an agreement,” CEO Alan Joyce said. If an agreement is not reached by the deadline, both sides will have to submit to binding arbitration. There could also be an extension of negotiations if the parties agree.