Australia: Jetstar workers strike and protest at airports nationwide December 19 /update 3

Event

Workers at Jetstar Airline are striking nationwide on Thursday, December 19, to demand better pay and working conditions. Workers also protested in several major airports, including Sydney Airport (SYD) and Brisbane Airport (BNE). The Transport Workers Union (TWU) confirmed at around 13:00 (local time) on Thursday, however, that Jetstar baggage handlers do not intend to strike between Friday, December 20, and Friday, January 3, 2020, while pilots also agreed not to strike during peak travel times.

Strikes with up to 24-hour work stoppage are likely to resume in January 2020. 

The airline announced that affected customers can request a full refund prior to the scheduled date of travel. Significant delays, modified timetables, and further flight cancelations are expected over the coming weeks.

Context

Jetstar Airline has announced on Monday, December 16, that it will be reducing domestic operations by ten percent in January to counter the impact of pilots' industrial action.

Advice

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor developments to the situation, confirm the status of their flights prior to departure, and to contact their airline for additional information.