Football, league fans affected by Qantas strikes
More than 8000 domestic and international Qantas passengers are expected to suffer flight disruptions due to strikes in Australia tomorrow.
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More than 8000 domestic and international Qantas passengers are expected to suffer flight disruptions due to strikes in Australia tomorrow.
The airline has said they have managed to "contain the disruption" to 39 flights, which have been delayed an average of 25 minutes. Two flights have been cancelled.
The hour long strike tomorrow by baggage handlers, ground staff, and other Qantas employees is part of action by Transport Workers Union (TWU). Their requests include 15% pay increases over three years, an additional 1% compulsory employer superannuation contribution every year of the agreement, and requirement for site rates for labour hire personnel.
Qantas Group executive Olivia Wirth said the strike was holding the company "to ransom" on what was one of the biggest weekends of the year.
"This is one of our busiest weekends of the year with tens of thousands of people travelling around Australia for the football and for the school holidays on Friday alone. These strikes hold passengers to ransom but don’t help the TWU get any closer to an agreement. We call on the union to call off the strike and return to the negotiating table.”
The two parties have been unable to reach an agreement despite ongoing negotiations since May.
"The TWU are asking for 15% pay increase over the next three years which is just not sustainable in the current economic climate and when these employees are already the highest paid in the Australian aviation industry. We value our staff and we are a generous employer. We are willing to negotiate on reasonable pay increases.”
Reasons for travelling tomorrow
- Football fans travelling to Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final
- Rugby league fans travelling from New Zealand to Sydney for the NRL Grand Final
- Families travelling for school holidays and the long weekend
Charlotte Woodfield
Thu, 29 Sep 2011
Thu, 29 Sep 2011
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Football, league fans affected by Qantas strikes
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