Workplace minister makes tourism plea as Jetstar strike looms

Federal industrial relations minister Christian Porter has implored Jetstar and the Transport Workers Union to resume wage negotiations to avoid strike action he says will inflict further harm on a tourism industry already reeling from the coronavirus and the horror bushfires season. The TWU said Friday that about 250 baggage handlers and ground crew at major airports would walk off the job for 24 hours Wednesday, amid a stand-off with the airline over pay and conditions. The action will likely cause widespread cancellations and is a dramatic escalation in the industrial dispute. "Small businesses and regional areas that rely heavily on a strong domestic and international tourism market face further damage from any industrial action which disrupts travel and holiday plans," Porter said. <br/>