ID :
173244
Tue, 04/05/2011 - 14:17
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/173244
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Unions condemn Qantas over strike busters
SYDNEY (AAP) April 5 - Aviation unions have slammed Qantas for training staff as baggage handlers and check-in crew as part of strike-breaking contingency plans.
The Transport Workers Union Australia (TWU) on Tuesday described the practice as "immoral and un-Australian".
"This is not a contingency plan for industrial action - it can only be read as Qantas making a deliberate attack on its workforce, and it should be exposed for what it truly is," TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon said in a statement.
Paul Cousins, federal president of the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA), said the use of stand-in staff during previous industrial disputes had caused significant safety problems.
"These individuals seem to be a bit of a law unto themselves, they don't have much ramp experience," he told AAP.
He said the stand-ins had been seen using mobile phones during aircraft refuelling, leading to major rows with engineers.
In another case, stand-in workers tried to push back an aircraft while it was still locked in place by chocks, and rather than removing the chocks they tried to push the aircraft over them.
Qantas faces possible strikes on three fronts, with pilots, engineers and ground staff all threatening industrial action as part of ongoing negotiations over pay and job security.
The TWU - representing refuellers, baggage handlers and catering staff among others - is in negotiations with the national carrier over a four per cent wage claim and increased job security for its 9000 members who work for Qantas.
The ALAEA, which is due to vote on strike action in about 10 days, is also demanding increased pay and job security for the 1600 members it has working for Qantas.
A third union, the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), has threatened strikes against Qantas, in a similar row over pay and conditions.
"There were negotiations last week, they've got more scheduled next week," AIPA spokesman Anil Lambert told AAP.
"We still continue to negotiate in good faith.
"There's no ballot, no application to FairWork Australia, there's nothing like that.
"It's just an option."
A Qantas spokeswoman on Tuesday admitted the airline had sent staff from a range of departments and seniority levels to Los Angeles to be trained as baggage handlers and check-in workers.
"Qantas has sent staff to LA airport for over 10 years to undergo contingency training for baggage handling and check-in operations," she said in a statement.
"This type of contingency measure is important to ensure our passengers can continue to fly as normal in the event of union-led strikes.
"We were forced to use this contingency in the past when the TWU took unprotected industrial action.
"Our priority is to protect our business and ensure that our customers are not disrupted.
Meanwhile, the ALAEA said it was not aware of any safety concerns regarding the use of Boeing 737s in Australia.
It follows an incident involving a Southwest Airlines 737 in the US, during which a 1.5-metre section of the aircraft's roof tore open in mid-flight, forcing it to make an emergency landing.
Qantas is checking four of its 737-400s based on Boeing's advice, the airline's spokeswoman said.
The Transport Workers Union Australia (TWU) on Tuesday described the practice as "immoral and un-Australian".
"This is not a contingency plan for industrial action - it can only be read as Qantas making a deliberate attack on its workforce, and it should be exposed for what it truly is," TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon said in a statement.
Paul Cousins, federal president of the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA), said the use of stand-in staff during previous industrial disputes had caused significant safety problems.
"These individuals seem to be a bit of a law unto themselves, they don't have much ramp experience," he told AAP.
He said the stand-ins had been seen using mobile phones during aircraft refuelling, leading to major rows with engineers.
In another case, stand-in workers tried to push back an aircraft while it was still locked in place by chocks, and rather than removing the chocks they tried to push the aircraft over them.
Qantas faces possible strikes on three fronts, with pilots, engineers and ground staff all threatening industrial action as part of ongoing negotiations over pay and job security.
The TWU - representing refuellers, baggage handlers and catering staff among others - is in negotiations with the national carrier over a four per cent wage claim and increased job security for its 9000 members who work for Qantas.
The ALAEA, which is due to vote on strike action in about 10 days, is also demanding increased pay and job security for the 1600 members it has working for Qantas.
A third union, the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), has threatened strikes against Qantas, in a similar row over pay and conditions.
"There were negotiations last week, they've got more scheduled next week," AIPA spokesman Anil Lambert told AAP.
"We still continue to negotiate in good faith.
"There's no ballot, no application to FairWork Australia, there's nothing like that.
"It's just an option."
A Qantas spokeswoman on Tuesday admitted the airline had sent staff from a range of departments and seniority levels to Los Angeles to be trained as baggage handlers and check-in workers.
"Qantas has sent staff to LA airport for over 10 years to undergo contingency training for baggage handling and check-in operations," she said in a statement.
"This type of contingency measure is important to ensure our passengers can continue to fly as normal in the event of union-led strikes.
"We were forced to use this contingency in the past when the TWU took unprotected industrial action.
"Our priority is to protect our business and ensure that our customers are not disrupted.
Meanwhile, the ALAEA said it was not aware of any safety concerns regarding the use of Boeing 737s in Australia.
It follows an incident involving a Southwest Airlines 737 in the US, during which a 1.5-metre section of the aircraft's roof tore open in mid-flight, forcing it to make an emergency landing.
Qantas is checking four of its 737-400s based on Boeing's advice, the airline's spokeswoman said.
