Qantas ground crews vote in favour of possible strike action

Regional Qantas ground crews have overwhelmingly voted in favour of potential industrial action, demanding better pay and conditions. According to the Transport Workers Union, 97% of 350 workers who participated in the vote supported the idea of work stoppages, ranging from one hour to 24 hours. The union must provide three days' notice before any strike action is taken.

Michael Kaine, the union's national secretary, expressed frustration, stating that the workers feel let down after being promised improved treatment by the airline. Their pay, safety, and conditions have reportedly plummeted to the lowest point, leading to this decision. The threat of a strike follows a similar vote among Qantas' long-haul pilots in early August, who also voted for industrial action before securing a wage deal.

Qantas has pledged to reach an agreement with its employees, including annual pay increases, but the specifics of the offer remain unclear. The airline's Fair Work Commission negotiations are ongoing, with both sides expressing commitment to finding a resolution. Qantas has contingency plans in place to mitigate any operational disruptions should a strike occur.

The Qantas Ground Services, which employs these workers, offers them casual and part-time positions, working primarily for Qantas Freight and the regional Q-Link service. The workers are seeking job security, a fair pay increase, and an end to the fragmented work groups, calling for them to be consolidated under a single Qantas umbrella.

The union and Qantas are scheduled to reconvene at the Fair Work Commission on September 18 to continue their discussions. In the meantime, Qantas reported a $2.06 billion annual underlying profit before tax, a 14% decrease due to soaring fuel costs caused by the Middle East conflict.