Qantas baggage handlers strike
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Baggage handlers' strike causes major delays at Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide airports | Travel News | News.com.au
Baggage handlers' strike causes major delays at Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide airports | Travel News | News.com.au
Baggage handlers' strike causes major delays at Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide airports
By staff writers and wires
NEWS.com.au
March 30, 2009 03:08pm
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+ - Print Email Share Add to MySpace Add to Digg Add to del.icio.us Add to Fark Post to Facebook Add to Kwoff What are these? Delays ... Qantas workers protest at Sydney airport. Picture: Lindsay Moller
Qantas baggage handlers go on strike
Major delays at airports
Union says strike is about airport safety
A QANTAS baggage handlers' strike has disrupted terminals in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.
International delays were also experienced in Sydney and Brisbane.
Qantas baggage handlers, cleaners and caterers went on strike at 9.20am (AEST) and passengers were seen disembarking their flights and leaving without their luggage.
A Qantas spokesman says workers were ordered by the Industrial Relations Commission to resume duties at 2pm (AEDT).
At Sydney airport, up to 300 Qantas workers walked off the job, refusing to unload arriving planes but servicing aircraft due to depart.
The protest initially disrupted traffic at the airport, but the airport roads were clear by 11am (AEDT).
Transport Workers Union (TWU) federal secretary Tony Sheldon said members had a number of concerns, including the outsourcing of more jobs and the failure to security check airport staff.
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C of Brisbane "The TWU has been seeking assurances from Qantas for a number of years over safety and today we look at what action needs to be taken to create a safer environment for employees and the general public,'' he said.
"Four years ago, industrial action was taken to ensure the safety of Qantas customers, its employees and the general public.''
Qantas spokesman David Epstein dismissed union claims the strike had been about security concerns following the fatal bashing of a bikie gang member at Sydney airport earlier this month and he said the union was "exploiting the tragedy".
Mr Epstein said the TWU leadership's real problem was with Jetstar awarding a contract to another baggage handling company.
This contract had nothing to do with security arrangements, he said.
"The union has never had any problems with the contractor when they have worked for other airlines like Virgin Blue and Tiger so we don’t know why they choosing to do what did today," Mr Epstein told Sky News.
"They make a very unfortunate link to a tragedy…it’s absolutely extraordinary that they’ve chosen to do this."
Mr Epstein apologised to customers, the general public and other staff for the inconvenience.
He said the unauthorised industrial action had caused the airline and passengers considerable financial damage.
"We will be pursuing the union if this sort of financial damage is allowed to continue," he said.
Qantas flights at the Brisbane domestic airport had been heavily impacted, a spokeswoman for Brisbane Airport Corporation said.
Flights currently impacted at the Brisbane International terminal include Eva Airways BR3 16, Qantas QF 15, Qantas QF 51 and Air New Zealand 136.
"We're advising passengers who were intending to travel today through the airport to check with their airlines with the timing of their scheduled flights - and if they are coming to the airport please be patient,'' the spokeswoman said.
Transport Workers Union Queensland spokesman Hughie Williams said the strike was over Qantas's new chief executive officer deciding to outsource work to a cheaper company named Aero-care.
"We have no choice but to do this if we're going to look after our members,'' Mr Williams said.
"Whenever there is any security risk the baggage handlers are the first to report anything odd. They're very hard workers.''
By staff writers and wires
NEWS.com.au
March 30, 2009 03:08pm
Text size
+ - Print Email Share Add to MySpace Add to Digg Add to del.icio.us Add to Fark Post to Facebook Add to Kwoff What are these? Delays ... Qantas workers protest at Sydney airport. Picture: Lindsay Moller
Qantas baggage handlers go on strike
Major delays at airports
Union says strike is about airport safety
A QANTAS baggage handlers' strike has disrupted terminals in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.
International delays were also experienced in Sydney and Brisbane.
Qantas baggage handlers, cleaners and caterers went on strike at 9.20am (AEST) and passengers were seen disembarking their flights and leaving without their luggage.
A Qantas spokesman says workers were ordered by the Industrial Relations Commission to resume duties at 2pm (AEDT).
At Sydney airport, up to 300 Qantas workers walked off the job, refusing to unload arriving planes but servicing aircraft due to depart.
The protest initially disrupted traffic at the airport, but the airport roads were clear by 11am (AEDT).
Transport Workers Union (TWU) federal secretary Tony Sheldon said members had a number of concerns, including the outsourcing of more jobs and the failure to security check airport staff.
Related Coverage
Take a trip: Destination guide
Your Say
To D of Sydney: Baggage handlers outsourced and staffed from and by an off-shore company - easy! Just like cleaners and other operational staff... Oh, don't forget that we...
(Read More)
C of Brisbane "The TWU has been seeking assurances from Qantas for a number of years over safety and today we look at what action needs to be taken to create a safer environment for employees and the general public,'' he said.
"Four years ago, industrial action was taken to ensure the safety of Qantas customers, its employees and the general public.''
Qantas spokesman David Epstein dismissed union claims the strike had been about security concerns following the fatal bashing of a bikie gang member at Sydney airport earlier this month and he said the union was "exploiting the tragedy".
Mr Epstein said the TWU leadership's real problem was with Jetstar awarding a contract to another baggage handling company.
This contract had nothing to do with security arrangements, he said.
"The union has never had any problems with the contractor when they have worked for other airlines like Virgin Blue and Tiger so we don’t know why they choosing to do what did today," Mr Epstein told Sky News.
"They make a very unfortunate link to a tragedy…it’s absolutely extraordinary that they’ve chosen to do this."
Mr Epstein apologised to customers, the general public and other staff for the inconvenience.
He said the unauthorised industrial action had caused the airline and passengers considerable financial damage.
"We will be pursuing the union if this sort of financial damage is allowed to continue," he said.
Qantas flights at the Brisbane domestic airport had been heavily impacted, a spokeswoman for Brisbane Airport Corporation said.
Flights currently impacted at the Brisbane International terminal include Eva Airways BR3 16, Qantas QF 15, Qantas QF 51 and Air New Zealand 136.
"We're advising passengers who were intending to travel today through the airport to check with their airlines with the timing of their scheduled flights - and if they are coming to the airport please be patient,'' the spokeswoman said.
Transport Workers Union Queensland spokesman Hughie Williams said the strike was over Qantas's new chief executive officer deciding to outsource work to a cheaper company named Aero-care.
"We have no choice but to do this if we're going to look after our members,'' Mr Williams said.
"Whenever there is any security risk the baggage handlers are the first to report anything odd. They're very hard workers.''
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Who strikes in this economic climate?!?!
And besides, as QF ground staff i wish the ramp guys would come up and meet the pax who are abusing us for the delays. Thanks guys.
We had to put up with months of crap when the engineers striked last year - glad they got something out of it because all i got was a headache each day. Now the baggage handlers are doing it.
Wake up to yourselves and get back to work and stop making our job harder than it already is.
And besides, as QF ground staff i wish the ramp guys would come up and meet the pax who are abusing us for the delays. Thanks guys.
We had to put up with months of crap when the engineers striked last year - glad they got something out of it because all i got was a headache each day. Now the baggage handlers are doing it.
Wake up to yourselves and get back to work and stop making our job harder than it already is.
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Qfguy.. Good on them!!
In this climate?? When things are good companies still take advantage of staff and cry poor when it comes time to negotiate,conditions in aviation are going backwards and i wish pilot groups had more balls to stand up for themselves instead of accepting the rot they get fed and then start to believe whats been fed to justify why they voted to go backwards further!!
In this climate?? When things are good companies still take advantage of staff and cry poor when it comes time to negotiate,conditions in aviation are going backwards and i wish pilot groups had more balls to stand up for themselves instead of accepting the rot they get fed and then start to believe whats been fed to justify why they voted to go backwards further!!
qfguy, I suggest that you read this thread. http://www.pprune.org/d-g-reporting-...-go-round.html
I believe that their short duration strike is in support of retaining all ground staff jobs - perhaps even including yours.
I believe that their short duration strike is in support of retaining all ground staff jobs - perhaps even including yours.
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qfguy's reaction is symptomatic of people in todays age of 'what's in it for me'...
qfguy....I suggest you wake up to yourself and think about others who work for the airline and are worried about their jobs.
This is why the company gets away with it all the time.Each group only looks at their own sphere of effort..
qfguy....I suggest you wake up to yourself and think about others who work for the airline and are worried about their jobs.
This is why the company gets away with it all the time.Each group only looks at their own sphere of effort..
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Today 06:12 qfguy
Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me!
Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me!
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Your response Ken was a little cryptic but shows exactly what I said
This is why the company gets away with it all the time
TWU are trying to convince all and sundry that somehow Aero-Care staff don't have adequate security clearances...what tripe. Truth is that they can do the job better and cheaper...good on them!
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TWU are trying to convince all and sundry that somehow Aero-Care staff don't have adequate security clearances...what tripe. Truth is that they can do the job better and cheaper...good on them!
So, i'm trying to understand this and please don't take any offence in what i say!! NONE IS INTENDED, taking no sides just trying to understand.
But the strike was due to another company named Aero-Care offering a cheaper packaged to do the same work that the current company/s are doing and some how this deserves a strike? Its not like they are outsourcing to an over seas company or some such. Are they?
Isn't this how these sorts of things work? Qantas seem to be going for the best deal on offer, people do it each and every single day when they shop, you look for the best deal. You find the same product at another store at a better price your going to most likely buy there right?
Is there some kind of back story here i'm not hearing about? If so i'd be very interested in hearing about it!
But the strike was due to another company named Aero-Care offering a cheaper packaged to do the same work that the current company/s are doing and some how this deserves a strike? Its not like they are outsourcing to an over seas company or some such. Are they?
Isn't this how these sorts of things work? Qantas seem to be going for the best deal on offer, people do it each and every single day when they shop, you look for the best deal. You find the same product at another store at a better price your going to most likely buy there right?
Is there some kind of back story here i'm not hearing about? If so i'd be very interested in hearing about it!
Lets see - QCCA - Team Jetstar - at least they are owned by QF group. Anyone remember a little company called Air Crews Control ? We live in growing scary times.
Airlines will eventually if the bean counters get their way will be 'virtual airlines' The only thing to do with the 'brand' will be the colours splashed on the plane. Leased aircraft, contract pilots/FAs, contract engineering, ground handling/cleaning etc. No one will be employed by the airline - no concessional travel etc etc.
Airlines will eventually if the bean counters get their way will be 'virtual airlines' The only thing to do with the 'brand' will be the colours splashed on the plane. Leased aircraft, contract pilots/FAs, contract engineering, ground handling/cleaning etc. No one will be employed by the airline - no concessional travel etc etc.
Aero-Care.
What a wonderful world we live in. Cheap is good! Therefor if you work for nothing you must be the best?! I get it! .... ? .... But.... mmmm.... this reasoning doesn't apply to airline executives....... they don't compete on price. They get bonuses on top of great packages.... but cheap is good... ...ahhh! cheap is good for everyone else!! I get it again!!.. ? .....
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Competing against a host of Asian airlines internationally and Virgin Blue domestically, Qantas has no option but to minimise its costs. The Jetstar move was inevitable and industrial action can only hasten the day when Qantas baggage handling goes too. It's not a sacred cow, even if the unions would like it to be.
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You find the same product
As for the question regarding check-in staff and visitor IDs... any staff involved in the checking in of passengers for RPT operations MUST have an ASIC, regardless of whether they go airside or not. Don't have the reference to hand but it's in there. Certain charter operator got caught out with that one a few years ago and had to shell out on mass ASICs for it's customer service/check in staff.
The trouble possums, is that the bean counters and senior managers rely on a single, central, flawed assumption: There is an inexhaustible pool of labour available to do any job for less pay.
Now this is a flawed assumption. We have an ageing population demographic. The number of bright young things capable of doing sophisticated tasks is not increasing, in fact it's shrinking. This is why the whole "guest worker" crap started.
What that means is that at some point companies like QF will suddenly realise that they are no longer an employer of choice, and will scramble to stuff the mouths of their staff with money to keep them.
If you don't believe me, look at the job ads in the newspaper archives from the mid 1950's through to the mid 1960's.
Now this is a flawed assumption. We have an ageing population demographic. The number of bright young things capable of doing sophisticated tasks is not increasing, in fact it's shrinking. This is why the whole "guest worker" crap started.
What that means is that at some point companies like QF will suddenly realise that they are no longer an employer of choice, and will scramble to stuff the mouths of their staff with money to keep them.
If you don't believe me, look at the job ads in the newspaper archives from the mid 1950's through to the mid 1960's.
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Its not all about me - its about how selfish you guys are.
Why should i stand there and get abused because of something i haven't done - by hundreds of pax.
I lived this for months last year throughout the engineering strike and dont want to re-live it again.
What have i gained from it?? And no it's not all about me but at some stage you would think that being nice and supporting would come back but its seems its just take and no giving back.
It's hard enough to do this job on a good day without having the extra crap that this 4hr dispute caused the ground staff. You guys are protected from the pax down on the ramp - just try dealing with a few up in the terminal.
The selfish ones are the people who don't consider the massive disruption to the pax and fellow staff members.
Why should i stand there and get abused because of something i haven't done - by hundreds of pax.
I lived this for months last year throughout the engineering strike and dont want to re-live it again.
What have i gained from it?? And no it's not all about me but at some stage you would think that being nice and supporting would come back but its seems its just take and no giving back.
It's hard enough to do this job on a good day without having the extra crap that this 4hr dispute caused the ground staff. You guys are protected from the pax down on the ramp - just try dealing with a few up in the terminal.
The selfish ones are the people who don't consider the massive disruption to the pax and fellow staff members.
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QFguy..You need a tespoon of cement!! Oh no not again first the engineers now the baggage handlers..If what other sections of the company are doing is causing you not to cope with your job leave..
What happens when there is storms,aircraft u/s and a whole heap of other delays and the passengers are just the same as they were with this strike??What do you do then?? Blame god for the storm and boeing or airbus for the u/s aircraft..
How selfish of them...
What happens when there is storms,aircraft u/s and a whole heap of other delays and the passengers are just the same as they were with this strike??What do you do then?? Blame god for the storm and boeing or airbus for the u/s aircraft..
How selfish of them...