Information Madness

Australia’s Qantas Airways has grounded its entire fleet officially today on an indefinite basis in a move that has surprised the whole world. It has ceased all international and domestic flights as part of an ongoing and dirty dispute with its three unions.

Qantas has always been regarded as one of the safest airlines in the world. Qantas has been struggling with the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association, the Australian International Pilots Association and the Transport Workers Union over salaries, working conditions and the continuous outsourcing of jobs globally.

Qantas has grounded its one hundred and eight aircrafts indefinitely in twenty two airports across the world. As of 31^st October, the airline will be locking out its domestic employees also who are involved in the dispute. Qantas feels that this decision will be the fastest way to make sure that the airline gets back in the air while Transport Workers Union has felt that Qantas’ decisions have been disgraceful and unwarranted.

As this struggle continues, Qantas is giving full refund for the flights that have been cancelled due to the industrial action, giving its passengers the option to rebook again at a later date once the situation gets resolved. Travellers who have been stranded internationally will also be able to claim reimbursement for food, accommodation and alternate travel arrangements.

The Australian International Pilots’ Association has mentioned that it saw an eMail that proves Qantas was planning to ground its fleet many days ago before it actually happened today. This eMail has brought out into the open the extent of the airline’s calculated plans to freeze its operations.