Qantas long-haul pilots on Monday morning called for Qantas management to urgently reconsider their withdrawal from negotiations before Fair Work Australia.

The Australian and International Pilots Association said it has been informed by letter that the airline’s management will not be attending conciliation meetings before Fair Work Australia scheduled for next month.

AIPA President Barry Jackson said he was stunned by the Qantasʼs decision and baffled by their subsequent attempts to deny that decision in the media.

“There is no ambiguity here: Qantas management has officially opted to walk away from conciliation before Fair Work Australia,” he said. “Management have clearly informed us they will not be attending negotiations before the independent umpire."

Jackson has urged the Qantas management to return to the negotiating table immediately.

“We have seven dates scheduled before Fair Work Australia. Honour these commitments and attend these negotiations,” he said.

The prime minister, various senior ministers and the opposition leader have all urged parties in this dispute to negotiate an outcome as soon as possible.