KEY POINTS:
The union representing airline maintenance workers says the conditions attached to the proposed takeover of Qantas do nothing to guarantee local jobs.
The Federal Government has approved a takeover bid by Airline Partners Australia with conditions guaranteeing Qantas remains Australian owned and based.
The deed of undertaking also states that Qantas must continue its record of jobs growth "in line with market conditions".
The national secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, Doug Cameron, says that does nothing to guarantee the future of Qantas workers.
"There should have been a clear and unequivocal undertaking from the private equity consortium that the airline fleet that is being purchased will be maintained in Australia -- the wording in the document does not do that," he said.
"I think the future of Australian airline maintenance could be under severe pressure because of this deal between big business and the Howard Government ... we don't take any comfort form the weak language in the document."
The Coalition backbenchers concerned about the proposed takeover have largely welcomed the conditions attached by the Government allowing the bid to go ahead.
A handful of Government backbenchers had raised concerns about the takeover, including Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce, who says he still has reservations.
"Right now there'll be a team of solicitors from Qantas sitting around working out how they can get around it," he said.
"In the future the control will shift to whoever holds the debt."
But Liberal MP Bruce Baird says he is satisfied all his concerns have been met.
"The issues that I've raised publicly related to the off-shoring of maintenance, to jobs generally, regional services and frequent flyer programs, and they've addressed," he said.
"I think it's been a conscientious approach to the concerns that have been raised in a situation which is better than currently exists.
"I'm glad that they did listen, I think we've got a resolution that I think will strengthen Qantas."
The ALP says it is still looking at the details but it is not inclined to oppose the bid.
UNDERTAKINGS GIVEN BY APA
Five of the undertakings given to the government by Airline Partners Australia if it buys Qantas:
* Qantas and Jetstar brands will continue to operate separately, both locally and internationally.
* Qantas group will buy new aircraft in line with market needs.
* Qantas will support regional routes and the improvement of its domestic network.
* Qantas customers will continue to have access to a competitive loyalty programme and the (sale of Qantas) will not result in any loss of frequent flyer points for members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer Programme
* Qantas' practical assistance to Australians in times of emergency, such as evacuations from foreign emergencies, will continue.
- RADIO AUSTRALIA, AAP
