A union representing Qantas Airways’ long-haul pilots has voted to authorize two days of strike action as negotiations are sought over the airlines’ restructuring plans for its international operations.

Pilots have expressed concern over job security as Qantas continues to look for ways to cut costs on international routes that are hemorrhaging money.

The airline is scheduled to announce a major restructuring plan on August 24. Pilots hope to negotiate with management before then, saying strikes are a last resort that they hope to avoid.

"We're very conscious of disrupting the travelling public; we don't intend to do that…We'd rather have the management negotiate," union vice president Richard Woodward said.

Source: Reuters