Daijiworld Media Network – Sydney

Sydney, Jan 24: International travellers have been warned of potential disruptions at Australia's major airports as over 1,000 ground workers employed by aviation services company Dnata staged a four-hour strike on Friday. The industrial action, affecting Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane airports, stems from an ongoing pay dispute after more than a year of negotiations, according to Australia's 9News network.

Qantas, the country's flag carrier, assured that domestic flights remain unaffected, while contingencies are in place for international flights departing from Sydney. Dnata handles ground services for up to 20 major international airlines in Australia, raising concerns about delays for overseas travellers.

Michael Kaine, National secretary of the transport workers union, emphasized that the strike was a last resort: "There will be disruptions today at Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane airports, resulting in flight delays," he stated.

Sydney Airport pledged to support airlines in minimizing disruptions and advised passengers to stay updated on messages from their carriers.

This development follows a recent agreement by Qantas to compensate over 1,800 workers whose roles were illegally outsourced during the Covid-19 pandemic. The carrier announced in December a settlement with the transport workers union to establish a fund worth 120 million Australian dollars (76 million US dollars), with payments expected in early 2025.