Qantas ground workers to strike over pay and conditions next week

Qantas has announced that hundreds of ground workers responsible for freight and QantasLink regional flights will go on strike next week, citing issues with pay and working conditions, according to the Transport Workers Union. The strike is set to occur for a full day on Wednesday in Victoria state and Thursday nationwide. The union stressed that this action is not taken lightly and that any disruptions to freight, including Australia Post deliveries, are solely the responsibility of Qantas management.

TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine emphasized the company's "brutal disregard for customers and the workforce." In response, a Qantas spokesperson stated their commitment to reaching an agreement, including annual pay increases for ground staff.

Qantas outsourced the positions of over 1,800 ground workers in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision later deemed illegal. A court ruling last year mandated the airline to pay a record fine of A$90 million ($64.03 million) for this violation.