Qantas Prepares For Workers’ Strike: Kangaroo Faces Rebellion
More than 3000 Qantas staff plan to stop work on Monday September 20. The planned industrial action is to take place in the morning peak period in most airports around Australia, which will last four hours.
In response Qantas intend to utilise larger aircraft and redeploy staff to lessen the impact of the disruptions to flights.
Among those planning to stop work include baggage handlers, caterers and ground staff.
The stopping of work will disrupt flights for up to 48 hours, according to Qantas officials.
In response and preparation, the airline has assured it will use larger aircraft, and synthesise services, and allow management staff to act in operational roles to minimise the disruption to travellers.
Qantas will also publish an updated schedule in the coming days and contact passengers that are affected by the planned strikes to allow for the making of alternative travel arrangements, Qantas Group Executive Olivia Wirth revealed in a statement this week.
The industrial action is a part of a continuing dispute over pay, conditions and job security between Transport Workers Union(TWU) members and Qantas.
During a vote, TWU members voted 95% in favour of beginning industrial action in ballots operated by the Australian Electoral Commission during the past month.
TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon expressed some thoughts to reporters on Thursday saying "We're hopeful that Qantas will actually make an offer but in the last number of months they have failed."
Qantas has explained that it is still assessing the impact industrial action would have on airports around the country and domestic and international flights.
The airline has criticised TWU for demanding pay increases and new restrictions on labour flexibility which would make Qantas less competitive in the market.