Airline strike headache for tourism
FEWER than 20 protesters rallied at Cairns Airport yesterday in support of a 24-hour strike by Jetstar workers.
The national strike was announced this week by the Transport Worker’s Union in response to failed talks with the airline over wages and guaranteed hours for staff.
“Jetstar workers are the lowest paid in the Qantas Group, with many guaranteed no more than 20 hours work per week,” a TWU spokesman said.
Workers also stopped work in December but called a moratorium then due to the bushfire relief effort.
“Jetstar workers have already been told they will not receive the bonus Qantas announced after its bumper $1.3 billion profit last year because of their strike action in December,” The TWU spokesman said.
The strike action has drawn fire from the Federal Government and tourism lobby over
ACTION: Jetstar ground crew strike at Cairns Airport over wages and hours of work. its timing. Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said the strike was “terribly disappointing”.
“They’re shutting down Jetstar flights across the country at the same time where I’m talking daily to tourism business around Australia who are trying to keep their small businesses afloat, trying to keep their employees in jobs as they face the impact of coronavirus and the downturn of visitation,” Mr Birmingham said.
Tourism & Transport Forum chief executive Margy Osmond said the strike would disrupt Australian travellers and holidaymakers at the worst possible time.
“Much of our industry is currently on its knees,” Ms Osmond said.
“Many regions are crying out for visitation … from Cairns to Hobart.”
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