Qantas ground workers announce strikes over pay and conditions

Qantas ground workers are planning 24-hour strikes next week following a deadlock in negotiations over pay, job security, and safety. The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has announced strikes for Wednesday, September 23, in Victoria, and Thursday, September 24, in other parts of Australia.

The industrial action primarily involves employees from Qantas Freight and QantasLink. While the workers do not handle mainline domestic or international flights, the airline warns of potential impacts on QantasLink services at Sydney Airport and disruptions to freight services, including Australia Post shipments. The timing of the strike coincides with the beginning of school holidays.

Qantas stated it has contingency plans in place to minimize operational disruptions and is continuing negotiations through the Fair Work Commission. The TWU has criticized the airline's labor arrangements, alleging that the company uses subsidiary structures to suppress wages and conditions.