Qantas ground crew vote to strike over pay

• 97% of 350 voting ground crew workers backed taking industrial action ranging from 1 to 24 hours.
• Following the announcement, the Qantas Airways share price was down at $9.42.
• The union stated that the vote aims to secure fair pay and job security following past wage freezes.

Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN) ground crew voted overwhelmingly to support industrial action over wages and workplace conditions.

The ballot follows a similar vote by long-haul pilots in early August before those pilots finalised a wage agreement with the airline.

"These ground workers don't want to go on strike, but after being sold a false promise that this airline would finally treat them with respect, they've got no other choice," said Transport Workers Union National Secretary Michael Kaine.

The union requires three days of notice before starting work stoppages, while the company stated it has operational contingency plans.

Following the announcement, the Qantas Airways share price was down at $9.42.

The covered workers operate under subsidiary Qantas Ground Services for regional and freight operations rather than international flights.

Both parties are scheduled to return to Australia's Fair Work Commission for further talks on Sept. 18.