Everyone want to be somewhere – and preferably on time. But Christmas is always a hefty bargaining tool for unhappy workers.
So which airline workers are staring down their bosses?
Virgin Australia cabin crew are threatening strike action unless the airline comes to the table with better pay and conditions.
Members from the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) have voted 99 per cent in favour of 24-hour stoppages unless a new agreement can be reached with the company. Last week, 98 per cent of Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia members voted for the same protected industrial action.
The TWU is incensed with national secretary Michael Kaine saying workers stuck by the company when it entered voluntary administration during the pandemic and yet they haven’t received the same support.
“The workforce is dog tired,” he told ABC News Breakfast yesterday. “They need respect from the company; they need to treat them as an investment and not a cost.”
Workers are seeking better pay and more work-life balance through improved rosters and leave processes.
Mr Kaine said the unions would meet with Virgin on Friday to negotiate and see if the industrial action can be avoided.
Are you flying over Christmas/New year? Are you fearful of delays?