There are also disagreements between the unions and airlines in Downunder, because Qantas is facing a flight attendant strike. A ballot to this effect has already been carried out and has clearly turned out to be in favor of industrial action.

The timing of the announcement by employee representatives is not purely coincidental, as the airline had announced just one day earlier that it had posted a half-year profit of up to AUD 1,45 billion. The surplus will therefore be significantly higher than originally forecast. This prompted the unions not only to renew the demand for higher wages, but also to back it up with a strike threat.

Qantas has been particularly hard hit due to the Australian government's past zero-Covid policy. No international flights could be operated for a very long time. The carrier also separated from many employees. Demand this year is even higher than management had expected in optimistic planning. However, austerity packages continue and to the displeasure of the cabin crew.

A poll of Qantas attendants association members flying for Australia found that 99 per cent of flight attendants voted to go on strike. They are still sitting on the negotiating table and explaining that they want to avoid disruptions to air traffic between Christmas and New Year, but the management must first put a significantly improved offer on the table.