London Focus For World Qantas Support Action

Trade union representatives from around the world gathered at the Australian High Commission in London today to support Qantas workers who were locked out last month by airline CEO Alan Joyce. Actors in kangaroo (the Qantas logo) costumes foiled attempts by 'Alan Joyces' to stab them in the back and fought back, aided by the support of ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) member unions backing their Australian colleagues. A deputation made up of the president of Australia's TWU union, the president of the ITF, the ITF general secretary, and a Unite official then entered the Commission for talks.

Photograph: ITF/Alastair Fyfe

[Below is a copy of the letter delivered to the Australian High Commission]

International Transport Workers’ Federation
ITF House
49-60 Borough Road
London SE1 1DR

Australian High Commissioner
Australia House
Strand
London WC2B 4LA

To the Australian High Commissioner,

I would like to thank you for giving us an opportunity to personally raise our concerns over the unacceptable behaviour of the Australian national carrier, Qantas, both in relation to its workers and passengers.

The recent lockout was damaging not only to Qantas staff but also to their families and the hard working Australian public, who make up many of the customers of the airline. We have no doubt that during all further negotiations what will emerge is the crucial role Qantas workers, from pilots to ground handlers, play in keeping this company profitable, reliable and a worthy representative of the spirit of Australia.

On the other hand, the current Qantas management has shown a stark disregard for the company’s hard won reputation as a strong and honourable Australian company.

This attitude is potentially deeply damaging for the country as a whole and we urge the Australian government to play a proactive role in bringing about a negotiated settlement.

We believe that the behaviour of the Qantas management also demonstrates the importance of fair labour legislation that allows workers to exercise their rights as citizens and workers.

Yours sincerely,

David Cockroft

General secretary, ITF, on behalf of its 275 member trade unions in the aviation sector.

For further images, see also: Flickr stream at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/itf/sets/72157628141453952

ENDS

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