Jetstar Employees Begin Industrial Action Demanding Pay Raise

October 3, Canberra – Approximately 1,000 employees of Australia’s budget airline Jetstar have initiated a phased industrial action starting Friday, demanding pay increases and improved workplace benefits. According to the Australian Services Union (ASU), after talks with Jetstar management over wages and workplace conditions ended without resolution, employees planned one-hour work stoppages at various major airports.

The stoppages on Friday are scheduled at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, Coolangatta, and Avalon airports. During this time, employees will halt regular passenger announcements, phone services, and certain tasks related to flight delays or cancellations. However, announcements concerning security and passenger welfare will continue uninterrupted.

The union stated that the pay raise offered by Jetstar is insufficient in light of rising living costs. Jetstar has proposed a 2.1% pay increase initially, with plans to raise this to 3% starting April 2027. The proposal also includes back pay adjustments and other benefits. The industrial action coincides with a busy travel period from Friday through Sunday, during which schools in Australia are closed and a long weekend is underway. Notably, the NRL Grand Final is scheduled in Sydney on October 4, and Sydney Airport expects around 94,000 passengers to travel through Terminals 2 and 3 on Friday.

Meanwhile, Jetstar has said the industrial action is not expected to significantly impact flight operations. The airline has implemented contingency plans and anticipates flights will operate normally. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. The union has also announced that from Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4, it will implement additional measures including waiving fees for extra baggage, seat changes, and delays on eligible bookings as part of the industrial action.