Ground handling staff across several Australian airports have decided to go on a one-day strike demanding better pay and conditions, Sky News reported.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) said that the decision will impact baggage services with 350 ground handlers belonging to dnata set to boycott services on 12 September 2022.
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Dnata offers ground handling services to various airline companies including Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Etihad, and Emirates.
Sydney (SYD), Brisbane (BNE) and Adelaide (ADL) airports will be affected due to this strike call, with the walkout to mainly hit international operations, according to the publication.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said: “Ground handling is a highly-skilled job, but thousands of experienced workers have been forced out of the industry by Qantas’ illegal outsourcing and the Morrison Government refusing Dnata workers JobKeeper. Those that are left are scrambling to pick up the pieces for scraps.
“Qantas management’s strategy to dictate low wages and conditions from afar has turned once sought-after aviation careers into insecure jobs no one can afford to stay in. For many, it’s now a choice between going on strike for decent conditions or being forced to leave the industry.”
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By GlobalDataKaine added: “We need to rebalance aviation towards good, secure jobs that keep skilled workers in the industry and ensure the safety of the travelling public. The Albanese government should act urgently to implement a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to establish fair standards across the industry.”
Qantas is said to have developed contingency plans in order to reduce the impact of the walkout on customers.
