Unions argue against Qantas/Emirates deal Unions are making a last-ditch plea to the ACCC against a partnership between Qantas and Emirates. Tony Sheldon, national secretary of the Transport Workers' Union (TWU), along with other union representatives will front an Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) conference on Friday. Mr Sheldon says he will reiterate that the partnership is a bad deal on many fronts. We will see a shrinking of the flying kangaroo and further job losses. But the ACCC has said its interim authorisation of the partnership may be reviewed at any time and should not be seen as an indication of whether final approval will be given or not. Qantas said the unions were out of step by pushing an "anti-Emirates line" and the ACCC had indicated it would give the green light to the partnership because of the benefits for consumers. "Three-quarters of Qantas staff support the partnership, as does the federal government, state tourism bodies, our shareholders and our customers," the airline said in a statement. We are pursuing this partnership as part of returning Qantas to international health.