The Transport Workers Union promised Monday that baggage handlers, ground crew and catering staff who belong to the union will not strike for the next 21 days, if Qantas negotiates in good faith.

The assurance from TWU came after Fair Work Australia ordered Qantas and its three unions to halt any industrial action for the next 21 days while negotiations attempt to solve the lingering labor row.

Justice Geoffrey Giudice said he could extend the ban on strike for another 21 days if there will be progress in negotiations between Qantas and the unions representing baggage handlers, pilots and engineers.

TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon said the union, which is discussing with its legal advisers if it would appeal the FWA decision, will announce its decision on industrial action in the next 48 hours.

"The real challenge here is that the Australian government fight really hard for Australian jobs," he told Skynews.com.au.

"We'll negotiate ... but quite clearly the government has to stand up and defend Australian jobs," added Sheldon, referring to reported plans by Qantas to outsource some jobs overseas.

Although Qantas denies such plans, the air carrier is studying the possibility of opening another budget service with either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur as its hub. The new service is included in the 110 new jets that Qantas ordered from Airbus this month.

"The government has stepped in. It's the first to my knowledge in the history of this country and of course it means that new laws, new approaches need to be instigated against this despicable company that will do anything to crush Australian jobs and send them overseas," Sheldon said.