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Baggage handlers' strike plunges airport into chaos

30/Mar/2009

By Albina Skender

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PERTH Airport has been thrown into chaos this morning with Qantas baggage handlers walking off the job to attend a stop work meeting.

Staff have returned to work after a four-hour meeting but passengers on domestic and international passengers have been warned to expect further delays.

Passengers are being urged to contact their airline to confirm flight details.

Many were visibly distressed and had to reschedule flights. 

Beth Simmons said she was returning to Sydney and was upset her flight would be delayed.

“It’s so annoying and unexpected,” she said.

“We got here and were told that our flights wouldn’t be getting off the ground until after 11am, which to me isn’t good enough.”

Some passengers such as Sydney man Martin Johnston remained calm and even joked about the situation.

“I called the Qantas infoline to find out what was going on but they didn’t give me many details,” he said.

“I was told by the infoline that Perth Airport wouldn’t be affected but I told them they obviously don’t know what’s going on in Perth.

“Luckily, I took the day off work tomorrow so I’m not worried - I’m glad I prepared for something like this.”

Qantas baggage handlers went on strike at Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide airports at 7.20am.

It is believed the strike is over Qantas outsourcing jobs to a cheaper company.

Transport Workers Union (TWU) federal secretary Tony Sheldon told AAP members had a number of concerns, including the outsourcing of more jobs and the failure to security check airport staff.

He said the issues were not new, and the union was calling for an independent audit of security throughout the Qantas operations.

“The TWU has been seeking assurances from Qantas for a number of years over safety and today we look at what action needs to be taken to create a safer environment for employees and the general public,” he said.

“Four years ago, industrial action was taken to ensure the safety of Qantas customers, its employees and the general public.”

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