Australia’s TWU (Transport Workers’ Union) has mounted a powerful defence of the jobs, along with stringent criticism of Joyce’s plans and management of the airline. See here for details.
Tony Sheldon, TWU national secretary, commented: “Aviation transport support workers are delivering for Qantas and its passengers. Australian baggage handlers earn an average AUD51,000 (USD47,000) a year. In 2011 Oxford Economics found that they added AUD205,212 gross value add per year. And since then, even Alan Joyce has admitted that Qantas worker productivity has increased by a further 22 percent.”
He continued: “It’s time to show that aviation workers deserve safe, secure work and the Australian public deserve safe, secure skies.”
ITF civil aviation secretary Gabriel Mocho underlined the unity of the response of the meeting participants in expressing their support, and pointed to the ITF campaign to successfully challenge Joyce’s last round of attempted – and potentially disastrous – changes at Qantas in 2011 and 2012.
Cabin crew vow to support Qantas comrades
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ON THE GROUND
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The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) mourns the passing of Glenton “Glen” Wood, a towering figure of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and a deeply respected trade unionist across
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Stephen Abima
It is with deep sadness and fond memories that the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has learned of the passing of Stephen Abima, former General Secretary of the Amalgamated Transport
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Press Release
ITF condemns Black Sea vessel attacks and calls for protection of seafarers
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has condemned the latest attack on vessels operating in the Black Sea, warning that seafarers must never be treated as targets in conflict and