Pressure mounts on Qantas over coronavirus workplace risk
Qantas has rejected claims it has repeatedly failed to protect workers adequately from exposure to covid-19.
It comes after revelations more flights were crewed by flight attendants infected with Covid-19.
The Transport Workers Union filed a legal request for documentation on Qantas’ handling of workplace protections from covid-19 exposure and disclosure of the number of confirmed cases within the workforce.
The TWU says the airline has failed to protect workers as another TWU member at Qantas was diagnosed with the virus.
The airline is already facing criticism over a cluster of cases of baggage handlers in Adelaide, and was recently issued an improvement order by the workplace safety regulator in New South Wales.
Qantas claims the union is trying to ‘gain political mileage from the misfortune of its members.’
The airline has been accused of failing to provide adequate protective gear and safe work protocols and refuses to disclose to the media exactly how many employees have tested positive.
"The standing down of a worker at Sydney Airport who raised concerns about the virus is proof the airline is not interested in listening to workers when they say they feel they are at risk," said TWU national secretary Michael Kaine.
It is thought more than 50 Qantas staff have tested positive.
The Flight Attendants Association of Australia said its members are ‘incredibly fearful’ of catching the virus.
The FAAA says Qantas has been unable to secure enough flight attendants to volunteer to work on a next phase of repatriation flights.
Four crew members tested positive after being exempt from quarantine measures after returning from overseas duty.
The government approved exemption has been roundly criticised as a glaring loophole in the fight to contain the spread of covid-19.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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