SYDNEY, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Around 250 Jetstar workers will begin strike action on Friday, calling for the Aussie airline to lift wages and improve safety conditions.
Warning passengers to expect significant delays across the country, the Qantas Group subsidiary have already cancelled 10 flights in Sydney, five in Melbourne, three in Brisbane, two in Adelaide and one in Cairns.
According to Australia's Transport Workers Union (TWU) secretary Peter Biagini, baggage handlers and ground staff are set to walk off the job for two hours today, seeking a four percent pay rise, more rest breaks, a minimum 12-hour period in-between shifts and a number of safety reforms.
"The airline has cut its staffing levels right back to the bone, meaning workers are constantly under pressure," he said.
"Jetstar also allows broken equipment and machines to be kept in use despite the risk to workers and passengers."
"This is causing injury rates to go through the roof. In just a few months workers have reported a broken hand, detached bicep, concussion and shoulder, back and neck injuries that have required surgery."
Describing the Jetstar workforce as "chronically fatigued and stressed out" because of the arduous working conditions, Biagini said, staff are "expected to do the same back-breaking work - lifting thousands of kilos of baggage and operating heavy machinery - but with half the staff."
"We want Jetstar to start investing in its infrastructure, its people and to lift standards on safety for workers and passengers," he added.
In response to the workers' claims, chief executive of the budget airline Gareth Evans said, "the union's demands would put significant pressure on the low fares our customers rely on and force us to review our investments," he said.
"If we accept an effective 15 percent net increase in pay that the union is demanding, there will be significant upward pressure on the low fares our customers rely on."
With talks between the two parties appearing to have completely broken down, it's expected that further strike action will continue throughout the busy Christmas period.
To make matters worse for Jetstar, the airline's pilots are also set to begin their own strike action over the weekend, demanding similar increases in pay as well as better working conditions.
