Airport workers fight back against Qantas in London

Words and photography by Rebekka Hodges
CHANTING could be heard across The Strand on Wednesday as trade union representatives from around the world gathered in front of London’s Australia House to show their support for Qantas workers who were locked out last month by airline CEO Alan Joyce.

It was an extremely visual event with actors dressed as life size Qantas kangaroos fighting back against the masked CEO’s attempts to stab them in the back. The demonstrators were aided by the support of ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) member unions.

Following the demonstration, a group of representatives 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 Australian High Commission for discussion.

“If an airline as good as Qantas can get away with locking out staff and passengers in the name of off-shoring and cost cutting, then all quality national carriers would be at risk,” ITF general secretary David Cockroft told Australian Times. “That’s why airline workers here, now, and around the world are fighting back against what would be the thin end of a wedge that could split the industry apart.”

The London event was part of a wider international action day for Qantas workers. Demonstrations also took place in Frankfurt, Tokyo, Manila, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Dallas, Auckland, Wellington, Buenos Aires and Santiago.

With just days to go until the expiration of the 21-day negotiation period, the unions are urging the Australian government to play a proactive role in bringing about a negotiated settlement.

“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,” Cockroft concluded.