Qantas has announced contingency plans to mitigate planned strike action by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) next week, when up to 3800 baggage handlers, ground staff, catering, freight and other transport employees will conduct a series of four hour work stoppages across Australia on September 20.
The airline will use larger aircraft, consolidate services and deploy management staff to act in operational roles so as to minimise disruptions to passengers from next Tuesday’s strike action by the TWU.
“The TWU is intent on causing disruptions to Qantas passengers and we are doing everything we possibly can to reduce the delays and cancellations,” Qantas spokeswoman Olivia Wirth said.
“Qantas will publish an updated schedule in the coming days and contact any passenger who has been affected by the strike to make alternative travel arrangements,” she advised.
The four hour work stoppages are expected to be rolled out across airports along the eastern states from 7am, with Cairns (9am) and Canberra (3pm) to follow, while action in WA will begin at 5am WST.
