Jetstar passengers will have several fees waived during planned industrial action by about 1,000 customer service workers at major Australian airports.
The action, organised by the Australian Services Union, is due to run from 12.01am on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday. Workers will continue helping passengers, but will not collect additional charges for the airline.
Extra baggage, sporting equipment and other bulky items can be checked in without the usual fees during the action. Excess baggage, seat selection and late charges will also be recorded as zero.
Jetstar workers seek improved pay and conditions
The dispute centres on demands for higher wages, increased overtime payments, additional loading for morning shifts, improved leave arrangements, weather protections and greater job security.
The union said workers voted in favour of protected industrial action in a ballot held in late August. The action has been scheduled during a busy period, with school holidays under way in Queensland and Victoria and the AFL and NRL grand finals approaching.
Workers are seeking pay aligned with other employees across the Qantas Group, according to the union.
Jetstar said the action would not affect operations and that it had presented what it described as a comprehensive and fair offer.
“We’ve put a comprehensive and fair offer on the table that includes pay increases, improved penalty payments and allowances, as well as more flexibility in rostering,” a Jetstar spokesperson said.
“This is a great package for our people, which also allows us to keep investing in our fleet and grow our network while keeping fares low, despite escalating fuel costs impacting the industry.”
The airline said it remained committed to working constructively towards an agreement.
