Jetstar passengers could dodge extra fees during snap two-day strike
No fees will be charged for excess baggage or seat changes.
Jetstar passengers flying during the school holidays and AFL Grand Final travel rush could avoid some of the airline's unpopular extra charges, including excess baggage fees, as workers take industrial action.
The Australian Services Union (ASU) confirmed staff at Jetstar would strike from 12.01am on September 23 to midnight on September 24.
The strike will be at airports in Cairns, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Avalon and Adelaide, where Jetstar employs staff directly, ASU said.
ASU national assistant secretary Scott Cowen said Jetstar union members would continue working during the protected industrial action, but wouldn't be collecting extra fees on the airline's behalf.
"The ball is now in Jetstar's court," he said.
"It's time to improve their offer, it's time to support the workforce that has supported Australians travelling at home and abroad."
A Jetstar spokesperson said the airline continues to meet with ASU while working towards a "constructive outcome".
Fees waived during travel rush
Unpopular fees such as excess baggage charges, seat changes, late fees and other sales transactions will be waived by Jetstar staff involved in the industrial action.
The strike falls on an busy domestic travel period in Australia, with an influx of passengers heading to Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final or to popular destinations for Victorian and Queensland school holidays.
Jetstar staff strike
The two-day strike comes as members call for wage increases that close the gap with other Qantas Group employees, better morning shift penalties and overtime payments.
They are also calling for improved sick and personal leave, better extreme heat and weather protections, a fairer classification structure, and stronger job security and redundancy protections.
Passengers should not be negatively affected by the industrial action, a Jetstar spokesperson said.
"We continue to meet with the ASU and are committed to working constructively towards an outcome - we have plans in place so that there will be no impact to our operations as a result of the planned industrial action," they said.
"We've put a comprehensive and fair offer on the table that includes pay increases, improved penalty payments and allowances, as well as more flexibility in rostering.
"This is a great package for our people which also allows us to keep investing in our fleet and grow our network while keeping fares low, despite escalating fuel costs impacting the industry."
Anna Houlahan is a journalist for Explore and the Senior. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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