Australia: Jetstar cancels flights ahead of February 19 union strike /update 5

Event

Representatives of Jetstar Airways have confirmed that some domestic flights scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, are canceled due to a strike organized by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) on the same day. The cancelations represent approximately 25 percent of the airline's daily domestic operations. A full list of flight cancelations as of Tuesday, February 18, can be found here. Jetstar has said that affected travelers may have the option to move their flight to another day between February 18 and 27, or receive a refund.

Further flight disruptions, including delays, cancelations and modified timetables, are possible in the coming hours.

Context

Jetstar workers held two strikes in December 2019, causing flight disruptions throughout the country. The TWU is demanding more rest breaks for ground crew members, as well as a guaranteed 12-hour break between shifts, guaranteed 30 hours a week, and an annual wage increase of 4 percent.

Advice

Individuals in Australia flying via Jetstar Airways are advised to monitor the situation, contact the airline for more information, confirm travel itineraries, and anticipate flight disruptions.