Jetstar staff at major airlines to launch work stoppages
Jetstar staff will begin their first wave of strike action this Friday, with baggage handlers and ground workers to walk off the job during busy periods. Here’s what you need to know.
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Baggage handlers and ground staff working for Jetstar will walk off the job during busy periods on Friday as the first wave of strike action hits the airline.
Transport Workers Union leaders have told the company about the planned stoppages after a majority of its members voted to launch protected industrial action.
Crews at Melbourne Airport will strike from 9.30am to 11.30am and again from 4pm to 6pm.
It is not yet clear how significantly the strike will impact flights, with the union required to give the airline three days notice, but delays are expected.
TWU state secretary John Berger said conditions for staff working for the company were tough.
“Crew want more rest breaks and more trained staff so they can do their jobs without risking injury,” he said.
“These workers stuck with the company during the tough times when Jetstar and Qantas insisted on pay freezes. ow they rightly expect to be treated fairly.
“The company cannot continue to make money off the backs of its workers.”
Work stoppages will also run at Avalon from 8.30am to 10.30am and 6pm to 8pm.
Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and Adelaide are among other airports targeted.
A Jetstar spokesman said the TWUs action was “completely unjustifiable given they only presented their full log of claims to us two weeks before opting for an industrial action ballot.”
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“We have strong contingency plans in place to mitigate the union’s action, which is supported by less than half of our ground crew,” he said.
“We are keen to come to a deal, but it has to be one that is both fair for our workers while also ensuring the future of low fares travel for Australians.”
Enterprise negotiations with the airline have been running for months but have broken down over pay increases and requests for more guaranteed hours.