Airline staff's security fears.
From the Herald-Sun
STAFF at discount airline Jetstar face daily abuse and threats from irate passengers, a new survey shows. Check-in staff at Avalon airport called for more action to be taken against unruly customers.
The Australian Services Union survey found 97 per cent of its Jetstar frontline workers nationally experienced air rage.
Almost 60 per cent said they witnessed it every day. Incidents included:
A PASSENGER throwing a stapler at a Sydney airport worker.
A CUSTOMER becoming violent after being escorted from the Avalon terminal building.
A PASSENGER throwing an itinerary over the counter at Avalon while threatening and swearing at a staff member.
Several Jetstar staff at Avalon called for more security, including the presence of Australian Protective Service officers.
The survey found 59 per cent of respondents unhappy with security.
About half of the ASU's 139 Jetstar members completed the survey late last year, several months after the Qantas subsidiary started operations.
It followed a similar survey in 2003 involving mainly Qantas and Virgin Blue staff.
ASU national secretary Linda White said yesterday Jetstar workers faced more air rage than other airline staff.
Ms White said Jetstar policies involving late passenger arrivals, no seat allocation and excess baggage had angered many travellers.
Jetstar spokesman Simon Westaway said air rage was rare and the airline was satisfied with the security it provided.
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