Aussie travelers could face disruptions in the lead-up to Christmas as union-aligned Qantas engineers plan another strike on Friday, with industrial action set to impact five major airports.
The strike action, which follows a similar walkout last Friday, involves workers from the Qantas Engineers’ Alliance (QEA), comprising the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), and the Electrical Trade Union (ETU). The engineers are demanding better pay, citing dissatisfaction with the airline’s current offers.
Affected Airports and Impact on Travelers
The industrial action is scheduled to take place at the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane airports. While Qantas has attempted to reassure travelers that the strike will not affect Christmas travel plans, it has acknowledged the potential for disruptions at one of the busiest times of the year.
A Qantas spokesperson stated, “We’ve put contingencies in place to ensure customers continue to get away.” The airline further stressed that last week’s strike did not cause any delays or customer inconvenience, urging passengers to proceed with their travel plans as normal on Friday.
However, tensions remain high, as Qantas expressed frustration with the union’s timing. “It’s disappointing to see the unions targeting people traveling to see loved ones at this time of year,” the spokesperson remarked.
Union Demands and Qantas’ Response
The QEA has called for over 40% pay increases over three years, which Qantas has deemed “unsustainable.” The airline insists it has presented a competitive package to its engineers, including pay rises, career progression opportunities, and upskilling programs. However, Qantas did not provide further details on the specifics of their offers when questioned by SkyNews.com.au.
While Qantas maintains that “pay increases, new career pathways, and more advanced training” are part of their offer, the union remains dissatisfied with the terms, leading to the continuation of industrial action.
Additional Action Planned
In addition to the strike, QAE members are also planning a rally at Melbourne Airport, according to an AMWU spokesperson. The union’s ongoing industrial action comes on the heels of a $120 million settlement Qantas was forced to pay to workers it illegally sacked during the pandemic. The airline was found to have unlawfully outsourced over 1,800 Transport Workers’ Union (TWU)-aligned baggage handlers in November 2020, replacing them with cheaper ground-handling staff from third-party companies.
The ongoing labor dispute between Qantas and its engineers continues to highlight the airline’s struggle with union demands for higher pay and improved conditions. The outcome of the Friday strike could significantly impact travelers’ experiences as they prepare for the festive season. As of now, Qantas has assured passengers that it is doing everything possible to minimize disruptions.
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