The Struggle of Baggage Handlers and Ground Crews in Australia
Baggage handlers and ground crews working on Qantas services and other airlines in Australia have overwhelmingly voted to strike, potentially disrupting holiday travel plans for many Australians. The workers, employed by Dnata, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the company’s offer and are demanding better working conditions and pay.
Background of the Issue
About 1000 Dnata workers across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia voted 98% in favor of protected industrial action. They also rejected Dnata’s offer of improved rostering, job security, and pay for the second time. Dnata is one of the companies to which Qantas outsourced ground handling operations after the illegal sacking of approximately 1700 workers during the pandemic.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) stated that wages for workers responsible for getting Qantas planes off the ground have been significantly reduced and suppressed as a result of the outsourcing. Dnata provides baggage handling services to numerous airlines and airports, including Singapore Airlines, Etihad, and Emirates.
Demands of the Workers
- More hours
- Fairer rosters
- Better job security
The union claims that the aviation industry has become “low-paid and insecure,” and workers are advocating for improvements to rebuild job stability in the sector.
Potential Disruptions
If talks fail, the union has warned that there may be disruptions over the busy Christmas period. TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine emphasized the struggles of ground workers in the aviation industry due to current pay rates and conditions. He urged Dnata to come back to the negotiating table with a fair offer to avoid unnecessary disruptions during the holiday season.
Kaine highlighted the high level of skill required for ground handling jobs and the negative impact of Qantas’ outsourcing on experienced workers in the industry. He emphasized the need for fair treatment of employees to prevent further decline in industry standards.
Response from Dnata
Dnata expressed disappointment over the rejection of their offer, which included a five percent pay rise followed by additional benefits and a pay increase in the following year. Despite their efforts to avoid industrial action, the company stated that they have been met with resistance in reaching a fair resolution.
The company assured that they are working closely with airlines to keep them informed and are prepared with contingency plans to minimize any disruptions to operations. They remain hopeful that any potential industrial action will not receive strong support from their employees.
Conclusion
The conflict between Dnata workers and the company highlights the ongoing challenges faced by ground handling employees in the aviation industry. As negotiations continue, the outcome will not only impact the workers but also travelers relying on smooth operations during the holiday season.
FAQs
What are the main demands of the Dnata workers?
The Dnata workers are demanding more hours, fairer rosters, and better job security to address the low-paid and insecure nature of the aviation industry.
How has the outsourcing of ground handling operations affected the industry?
The outsourcing of ground handling operations by companies like Qantas has led to reduced wages and job insecurity for workers, resulting in a decline in industry standards and experienced employees leaving the sector.