Strike fears build as Qantas infuriates union

Monday, 07 Apr, 2011 0

Qantas is facing possible worldwide strike action from 9,000 staff already unhappy over pay and conditions after it emerged that it has been training up strike breakers in Los Angeles.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) union reacted furiously to accounts in the media this week that Qantas has employed private contractors to secretly train managers in Los Angeles to carry out the duties of those threatening to take industrial action, such as baggage and ramp handling.

The ITF executive board will meet in London next week to debate what action to take over the news.

ITF general secretary David Cockroft said: “Any such training would seriously call into question whether Qantas management are actually sincere about any future negotiations with their own personnel.

“Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has publicly said before that he will bargain in good faith with his workforce. It’s difficult to see how that can be compatible with these alleged tactics.”

And ITF president Paddy Crumlin added: “The ITF has no sympathy or tolerance for any employer, wherever they are based, which seeks to undermine the collective bargaining rights of an established workforce. It is an ITF policy priority to return the airline industry to fair and sustainable labour standards.”

However Joyce has assured media outlets in Australia that the training of managers in Los Angeles is nothing new and a long standing arrangement at the airline.

In further union news, reports this afternoon suggest the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) has joined the Australian Licenced Aircraft Engineers Association in ruling out passenger disruptions over the Easter holidays.

by Dinah Hatch

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Dinah

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