‘Guerrilla warfare’ threatens to bring down Qantas
April 25, 2011
Civil war is looming at Qantas, threatening the biggest industrial brawl since the Waterfront dispute and the possibility of more travel disruptions for disgruntled holiday-makers.
Thousands of travellers had their plans thrown into disarray after security incidents at Melbourne and Sydney airports and it appears the situation is set to get worse due to staff training and strike threats by several unions.
ABC 1’s 7.30 can reveal the latest rift at the flying kangaroo is over plans to change the conditions of baggage handlers and ground staff at Melbourne Airport.
Qantas aircraft maintenance engineers have already voted to take industrial action after an engineer’s strike three years ago caused travel chaos and cost the company more than $100 million.
Transport Workers Union (TWU) spokesman Tony Sheldon says Qantas performance in the last 10 years has decreased.
“You only have to ask passengers,” he said.
“The last five years it’s got tougher; in the last three years they’ve been driving the brand into the dirt.”
By Conor Duffy for 7.30