Key Takeaways
- Qantas ground workers will strike for 24 hours next week.
- Strikes will occur on Wednesday in Victoria and Thursday elsewhere.
- The dispute centers on pay and working conditions.
Hundreds of Qantas ground workers, responsible for handling freight and regional flights, are set to strike next week over pay and working conditions, according to the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
The strike, which will last 24 hours, is scheduled for Wednesday in Victoria and Thursday in the rest of the country, as announced by the TWU on Friday.
In a statement, TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine emphasized that workers do not take this action lightly, stating that any disruption to freight, including Australia Post shipments, is the responsibility of Qantas management.
Kaine added, “Workers do not take this action lightly. Any disruption to freight, including Australia Post shipments, sits solely at the feet of Qantas management and its brutal disregard for customers and the workforce.”
Qantas, in a separate statement, acknowledged the dispute, stating, “We remain committed to reaching an agreement with our Qantas Ground Services employees that includes annual pay rises for our people.”
The airline had previously outsourced the jobs of over 1,800 ground workers in Australia who handled its broader network during the COVID-19 pandemic. This action was later deemed illegal by a court.
In a significant ruling, the court ordered Qantas to pay a record fine of A$90 million ($64.03 million) over the matter, highlighting the severity of the dispute.
The TWU has been vocal about its concerns, with Kaine stating, “We remain committed to reaching an agreement with our Qantas Ground Services employees that includes annual pay rises for our people.”
Qantas spokespersons have not provided further details on the negotiations or the specific issues at hand, focusing instead on their commitment to resolving the dispute.
Workers do not take this action lightly. Any disruption to freight, including Australia Post shipments, sits solely at the feet of Qantas management and its brutal disregard for customers and the workforce.
Michael Kaine, TWU National Secretary
We remain committed to reaching an agreement with our Qantas Ground Services employees that includes annual pay rises for our people.
Qantas spokesperson, Qantas spokesperson
