Delays at Australian airports could get worse as baggage handlers across the east coast initiate industrial action and threaten to strike today.
The potential strike threatens to impact baggage handling for up to 20 airlines, including Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Etihad and Air Canada, Nine News reports.
The Transport Workers Union said it will apply to the Fair Work Commission today to hold a vote on strike action as it negotiates with the country’s largest baggage handling company, Dnata, over a new workplace agreement.
If that strike action does go ahead, it could affect thousands of travellers in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
dnata Airport Operations (Ground Handling & Cargo) spokesperson told Travel Monitor, “We are dedicated to the restart of Australian aviation and will continue to work hard to support our employees and meet our customers’ requirements. We remain committed to ensuring our employees are appropriately compensated and able to complete their roles to the highest standard.
“We stay committed to working with our trade union partners and continue our conversations with the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) and employees in good faith while working to minimise the impact of a potential industrial action on our customers’ operations. We have and will continue to prioritise Australian jobs and our local workforce.
“The safety and security of our staff, customers and their customers are our number one priority. We have a robust training programme as well as comprehensive and stringent measures in place that ensure the highest level of safety across our operations.”
