Jetstar staff and pilots vote to walk off job ahead of peak holiday period
Jetstar baggage handlers and ground crew have voted to take industrial action ahead of the busy Christmas period, leaving travellers worried about their holiday plans.
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Strike action that could ground Jetstar flights for the busy holiday period will see baggage handlers and ramp staff walk off the job.
The airline is currently managing two separate threats of industrial action from the Transport Workers Union and the Australian Federation of Air Pilots.
Months of negotiations have been unsuccessful and both groups have held ballots to decide if they will go on strike in time for Christmas.
This morning Jetstar baggage and ground crews voted to strike, with the TWU saying 94 per cent had backed industrial action.
Workers have sent a strong message to @JetstarAirways that we're a powerful force ready to fight for fairness.
— TWU Australia (@TWUAus) December 6, 2019
Find out more about why airport workers are taking action and show your support: https://t.co/VRQuZVf5J6 #TWUandProud #SafeandSecureSkies pic.twitter.com/zU1yCLj4NK
“Jetstar has agreed to almost none of the claims from those put forward by workers, such as guaranteed hours, better pay, and minimum 12 hour breaks between shifts,” the union said in a statement on its website.
“Jetstar has also not put forward any of their own company claims. With negotiations at a stalemate, workers have no choice but to take action.
“At the same time, Jetstar workers have raised safety concerns that put workers and the public at risk, such as understaffing, faulty equipment and a lack of experienced, trained staff on each shift.”
A Jetstar spokesman said they would work to minimise any disruption.
“As with all work groups across the Qantas and Jetstar Group, we have offered a 3% annual wage increase – which is above private sector wage growth of around per cent,” he said.
“We remain committed to reaching a new agreement to support the great work our people do every day, but not any cost.”
The disputes have centred around requests for better pay and complaints about understaffing and resources at terminals.
Strike action could begin within weeks and delay or disrupt flights around the summer holiday period.
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JETSTAR FLAGS FUTURE AVALON TO BALI FLIGHTS
TWU state secretary John Berger said the union was concerned Melbourne ground crew staff were being forced to work part-time hours at the airline.
“The work is insecure and badly paid, meaning that families are struggling,” he said.
“Jetstar workers have toughed out the difficult years with the rest of the Qantas group, despite the airline remaining profitable.
“They took the pay freeze and the effect it will have on their retirement income.
“They now expect the company to improve pay and conditions, but all of their demands have been rejected.”