Qantas has decided to ground its entire fleet and implement a lockout of its staff in response to ongoing industrial action by unions. The airline is currently in a dispute with pilots, ground staff, and engineers regarding issues such as pay, conditions, and job outsourcing abroad.
In an unexpected move, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce announced that all domestic employees involved in the dispute would be locked out starting at 8 pm (AEDT) on Monday, with the immediate grounding of the entire fleet. This grounding applies indefinitely to both international and domestic flights.
The decision, according to Mr. Joyce, is a response to what he deemed as the unions’ extreme demands, which he believes are harming the airline’s strategy and brand. The impasse involves three unions: the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), the Transport Workers Union (TWU), and the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA).
QantasLink and Jetstar are exempt from the grounding. The dispute is expected to go before the industrial relations commission soon.
The Australian government, informed about the plan for the first time this afternoon, expressed concern about the future of Qantas, its workforce, and the impact on the public. Transport Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for a sensible resolution and stated that the government would apply to Fair Work Australia over the dispute.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce expressed regret for the necessary course of action, placing the responsibility on the unions to decide the extent of the harm they wish to inflict on the airline and its stakeholders.
Passengers affected by the grounding are advised to contact Qantas for assistance. The airline will provide hotel accommodation and alternative flights for those mid-journey, as well as refunds and ticket transfers for canceled flights. The situation will be communicated through the airline’s website, Facebook page, and Twitter.
Passengers around the world are facing disruptions, with some expressing frustration and disbelief over the abrupt grounding. International leaders and CHOGM delegates in Perth are among those affected. The unfolding situation has left many travelers scrambling for alternative arrangements.