December 2nd 2024.
Qantas employees who handle baggage and work on the ground have voted to go on strike, which could potentially disrupt holiday travel plans for Australians. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of taking action, with 98% of Dnata workers in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia supporting protected industrial action. This comes after the rejection of an offer from Dnata that promised improved rostering, job security, and pay.
The decision to strike was made after Qantas outsourced its ground handling operations to companies like Dnata, following the pandemic-related layoff of around 1700 workers. As a result, wages for those responsible for getting Qantas planes off the ground have been significantly reduced. The Transport Workers Union released a statement saying that workers are demanding more hours, fairer rosters, and better job opportunities in order to rebuild the aviation industry, which they claim has become known for low pay and job insecurity.
While a date for the strike has not been set, the union is scheduled to meet with Dnata soon. In the event that talks fail, there may be disruptions during the busy Christmas period. Michael Kaine, the TWU National Secretary, expressed concern for the struggles faced by ground workers in the current pay and conditions. He emphasized the need for Dnata to come back to the negotiating table with a fair offer in order to avoid unnecessary disruptions for both low-paid workers and travelers during the holiday season.
Kaine also highlighted the skilled nature of ground handling work and the negative impact that Qantas' outsourcing has had on the industry. He mentioned the high turnover rate and declining standards for passengers and emphasized the need for balance in the aviation industry. 9news.com.au has reached out to both Qantas and Dnata for comment.
To stay updated on the latest news, sport, politics, and weather, download the 9news app. With notifications sent straight to your smartphone, you can stay informed and connected. The app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
