Jetstar ground crews to strike in lead-up to Christmas over pay and conditions

Jetstar ground crews and baggage handlers across the country have voted to strike in the weeks leading up to Christmas and beyond. The decision was taken after airline operators rejected their demands for better employment conditions. These included 30 guaranteed hours of work per week and increases in current wages, which the Transport Workers’ Union says are among the lowest rates in the industry. The final decision on whether Jetstar pilots also will take industrial action in a bid for better pay and conditions will be announced on Friday afternoon. The ballot for pilots voting to strike closes at noon on Friday after being open for a week. The results of the vote held by the Australian Federation of Air Pilots and scrutinised by Elections Australia will decide on a number of different actions. This could range from deciding not to work overtime, refusing to follow standard fuel-saving procedures or stopping work for up to 24 hours. More than 51% of the votes must be “yes” for any measures to become a protected industrial action. The union claims its members represent about 80% of the more than 800 commercial pilots employed by Jetstar in Australia.<br/>