Qantas cabin crew have voted to hold a 24-hour strike for the next few weeks, which could lead to chaos for domestic flights over Christmas.
Flight attendants have voted in favor of the strike because they are demanding higher pay and better working conditions.
The Flight Attendants Association says a two-year pay freeze due to COVID-19 has left them tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Qantas flight attendants threaten to strike. (Oscar Coleman)
The decision threatens to disrupt Christmas travel for millions of Australians, but the union has yet to announce a proposed date for industrial action.
The union said the disruption to Christmas travel is a last resort, but members want a pay rise and proposed changes to working hours, including fewer breaks.
Qantas has slammed the announcement as a “very disappointing step” as negotiations continue for a new deal.
“They have said they will minimize the impact on customers of any industrial action and we urge them to keep their word,” a Qantas spokesman said.
“The proposal we have put forward includes a three per cent annual increase and access to more than $7,000 in bonus payments.
“Cabin crew are also in line to receive 1,000 shares worth about $6,000.”
Qantas cabin crew are demanding increased pay and better working conditions. (Kate Geraghty)
Qantas said the shift length changes it was asking for were the same as those applied to crew working on other domestic airlines in Australia.
“Crew will continue to have the same maximum hours during their roster period and if they join a longer shift they will be compensated with up to 300 per cent overtime,” the spokesman said.
“We want our current crew to operate our new Airbus A321XLR when they arrive and we will continue to negotiate to achieve this goal.”
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