More industrial action threats hit Qantas
From: AAP July 17, 2011 6:19PM
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QANTAS flights to and from Fiji could be disrupted, with the Transport Workers Union threatening industrial action.
Qantas's links to Fiji's military regime have produced a third potential area of industrial disruption for the airline, with long-haul pilots and engineers already engaged in separate disputes.
Transport Workers Union (TWU)secretary Tony Sheldon said today that there had been a "continuing deterioration" of human and workers rights in Fiji.
"Over recent months we have seen the military junta reduce freedom of speech, the freedom of assembly and now they want to smash the basic human right of getting a fair wage for employees and their family," Mr Sheldon said in a statement.
The comments come after a new draft decree was released by the Fijian government which could see workers in the airline industry lose up to 60 per cent of their wages, the Fiji Trades Union Congress said.
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Mr Shelton said Qantas had a responsibility to its Fijian workers who work for Air Pacific, which is controlled by the airline, and its subsidiary Jetstar.
"Qantas and the Fijian government have a close relationship through their joint ownership of Fijian national carrier, Air Pacific, as well as through other business interests," Mr Sheldon said.
"It is also up to the Qantas board to denounce this decree, and protect its employees across the supply chain."
The TWU said they were concerned over the safety of three men involved in Fiji's union movement who are returning to the country in the coming week.
A TWU spokesman said if any harm came to the three men the union would take industrial action against Qantas.
The news comes after the executive committee of the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) met over the weekend to finalise industrial action plans that members will take against Qantas.
There are eight potential options on the table, ranging from five-minute to two-day work stoppages as part of an ongoing wages and conditions dispute.
Members from the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association are also planning minor industrial action tomorrow, as part of ongoing pay disputes with the airline.
More industrial action threats hit Qantas | thetelegraph.com.au