Qantas flights from Melbourne Airport have been delayed and cancelled on Thursday morning as hundreds of engineers walk off the job over pay and conditions.
Passengers have been warned to expect a “busy period,” and some have been advised to swap their flights to avoid delays.
It’s the first day of industrial action expected over the next two weeks.
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Up to 1,100 Qantas engineers from the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, the Australian Workers’ Union, and the Electrical Trades Union are expected to put tools down on the first day of strikes.
Qantas has told airports nationwide to expect further work stoppages on September 30, October 2, and 4.
The Qantas Engineers’ Alliance said the strike was “highly likely” to affect flights in all major capitals.
The union is demanding a five per cent pay rise per year and an additional 15 per cent in the first year.
A Qantas spokesperson said it put contingency plans in place and believed customers would not be affected.
The spokesperson said, “We don’t currently expect this industrial action to impact customers.”
“We want to reach an agreement that includes pay rises and lifestyle benefits for our people.”
However, customers posted photos on social media, showing crowds building in the morning.