Qantas has grounded its entire fleet worldwide in a dramatic escalation of its increasingly bitter dispute with unions.
Chief executive Alan Joyce made the anouncement earlier today. It will cost the carrier an estimated $20 millon per day.
The decision has thrown the travel plans of many thousands into chaos but Joyce said it had little choice but to take the drastic action.
The grounding applies to Qantas only. Jetstar and QantasLink will continue to operate.
Qantas will lock out all employees covered by the three unions it was in dispute with;the Australian Licenced Aircraft Engineers, Transport Workers Union and the Australian and International Pilots Association.
“The lock out will commence from 8pm on Monday night Sydney time and will continue until further notice,” Joyce said. “Because the pilots, ramp, baggage and catering staff and licensed engineers are essential to the running of the airline the lock out makes it necessary for us to ground the fleet.
“However, I cannot wait until Monday to do so. For this reason, as a precautionary measure we have decided to ground the Qantas international and domestic fleet immediately.”
“The course of action has been forced upon us by the extreme and damaging course chosen by the leaders of the three unions.
“It is now over to them. The ball is in their court.
“They must decide just how badly they want to hurt Qantas, their members, our other employees and the travelling public of Australia in pursuit of their destructive aims.”
Similar Posts:
- Flagship QF operation still in decline
- Flagship QF operation still in decline
- SQ, CX to settle fuel saga
- We’re not becoming a Flight Centre, HWT boss reassures agents
- Ten Places to Visit by RV Near Palmer, Texas
