Jetstar wage action

THE last thing an airline wants to do is cancel your flight, especially at this time of year. But that’s the situation we’re confronted with. The people at Jetstar do a fantastic job, thousands of hard working, highly trained people who put safety first. We’re offering 3 per cent wage increases, higher than inflation and what most companies are offering. But unions representing pilots and ground handlers are pushing for increases to wages and benefits of up to 15 per cent. They take action at our busiest time to try to force our hand. We don’t want to disrupt travel plans, but we can’t agree to the demands.

Our low fares play a big role in driving tourism to Tasmania and make sure locals have seamless connections to Jetstar’s domestic and international networks. Our captains make more than $300,000 a year.

The increases would see some salaries rise up to $60,000. This has a compounding effect and can turn a profitable airline into an unprofitable one. The pilots’ union has said they will not take action over Christmas New Year. But more strikes could take place after that. So we’ve cut about 10 per cent of domestic flights in January so we improve our ability to absorb industrial action. Qantas will help where it can.

January is Jetstar’s biggest month and the cut in flying (plus December disruption) will cost us up to $25 million. As the airline carrying more people to Tasmania than any other, we play an important role in your $2.5 billion tourism industry. For those affected by cancellations and delays, we are truly sorry. Our team is working around the clock to minimise disruptions. Gareth Evans

CEO, Jetstar