Qantas strike causes major delays

An unexpected strike by Qantas baggage handlers has caused major delays to passengers travelling to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Qantas baggage handlers, cleaners and caterers went on strike at 9.20 AESDT, apparently over the company’s plans to outsource jobs to a cheaper company. According to reports, up to 300 Qantas workers walked […]

James Thomson 30 March, 2009

An unexpected strike by Qantas baggage handlers has caused major delays to passengers travelling to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Qantas baggage handlers, cleaners and caterers went on strike at 9.20 AESDT, apparently over the company’s plans to outsource jobs to a cheaper company.

According to reports, up to 300 Qantas workers walked off the job, refusing to unload arriving planes but servicing aircraft due to depart.

The striking workers said they would continue the protest until 1:00 (AESDT) because Qantas was docking their pay until then.

About the author

James Thomson

James was the editor and publisher of SmartCompany and LeadingCompany for five years. He is now the Australian Financial Review‘s companies & markets editor, and a former BRW editor.