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Qantas Workers Frustrated
Over Serious Safety Concerns
Qantas International baggage handlers have today expressed their frustration and disappointment that Qantas management have failed to address serious and ongoing safety concerns at Sydney Airport.
TWU Secretary Tony Sheldon: “Qantas have had 5 months to address these serious safety issues, yet they seem intent on ignoring the problems.
The safety issues range from inadequate staffing levels, rostering concerns, and old and poorly maintained equipment.
“Faulty equipment and inadequate staffing levels are causing serious injuries to employees”, Mr Sheldon said.
In surveys conducted within Qantas at Sydney Airport, 30% of employees had been injured while at work and 1 in 7 employees had to have time off work as a result of injury in the last year.
Injuries have included torn discs in the neck, a broken foot and neck and shoulder strains.
“Qantas have just made another multi million dollar profit, yet they have forgotten the very people who have helped their business grow so much.”
“Qantas have left the employees with little choice but to take these actions when they have watched their colleagues continually being injured and no action occurring”, Mr Sheldon said.
The meeting was held in a non-peak time so that disruptions could be as minimal as possible. The employees will be meeting tomorrow morning to discuss the ongoing issues.
The baggage handlers are still waiting for Qantas to provide answers so that more employees are not seriously injured.
Media Inquiries Josh McIntosh 0408 463 199.
17 March 2008
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