willyroo

...continues from http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qanta...-grounded.html

[mod hat]

The previous thread had run its course, particularly on the political front. Please discuss the issue - the grounding of Qantas and the "ungrounding" today - in this one. Any mention of politics or the function of the judiciary or getting OT will be deleted or edited.

Any personal attacks, or insults on public figures, companies or institutions will be deleted and disciplinary action will ensue.

[/mod hat]

jimmc66

I'm sitting at an airport hotel, and have been on "hold" with the QF 13 13 13 phone number for almost four hours. Need to rebook, website isn't setup for it, and would like to get the hell outta dodge (Sydney) and back to Cairns.

Any suggestions from regular QF flyers? How about the gold FF access number?

willyroo

Doesn't matter which number you call, it prioritises the call based on your FF # (which has your status). Sorry

LHR/MEL/Europe FF

Accordig to the QF webpage, under the industrial action headline, passengers can still rebook with another airline and qantas will pay the difference in fare:
Rather than be on hold, just buy another ticket and submit a claim.

BD1959

If you're sitting at the airport hotel anyway, why not stroll across the road? Given the disruption you may find that you're able to depart on a flight for which not everyone has been notified of resumption (or have access to because they're still stranded overseas).

Gotta beat trying to get through on the phones.

BD

Boraxo

I am scheduled to fly Qantas domestic in a couple of weeks and am wondering if I should reroute on another airline.

Anyone care to predict whether the court action will resolve the labour/lockout issues for the near future? Or is there a further risk of wildcat strikes, etc.?

I have been to many places that are worse to be stuck than Australia but would prefer to avoid the inconvenience, particularly before USA Thanksgiving week.

LHR/MEL/Europe FF

The ruling has terminated industrial action for 21 days. So you will be fine in that time.

I'm not sure, but I'm guessing the distinction between a termination of action and a suspension of action is that the unions will need to re-ballot their members if they are going to resume action at a later date?? That will buy more time for you.

Himeno

They are not allowed to engage in any industrial action anymore. They now have 21 days to sort it out themselves (between QF and the unions) or FWA will do it for them.

nonce

My understanding is industrial action is terminated. That is there can be no further action period (until next award negotiation time). The Unions and QF have 21 days to reach agreement on a new agreement. After that the FWA tribunal will start making binding decisions for both the Unions and QF. Industrial action (from either QF or the Unions) cannot continue, even "work to rule" or "go slow" action. No more announcements from pilots either.

This is why Joyce grounded the airline, it was to force the termination of industrial action, rather than just get a suspension. You should therefore feel confident to book and fly QF based on their normal on time departure/ arrivals and cancellation statistics.

amaroo

Well the sun has risen.....and, so has the share price

Best wishers for all that are still stranded and are trying to either get home or start a trip/holiday

Saw Cold Chisel on Saturday night (bloody brilliant - they still got it) and as the song goes...."when the war is over, got to get away".....lets hope we can all enjoy Q again as passengers, staff, management, etc and "get away" very soon on one of those lovely big birds ^

SighMN

Already tons of airlines are capitalising on Qantas' bad reputation. Etihad's Australian website has "Australia We Are Here to Help" plastered on its front page. As more and more people fly with other airlines they'll soon see that in many ways the grass is greener. Only the most die hard Australian patriots will still fly on Qantas, the others will see that other international airlines at least (maybe even Virgin Australia) has better fares for the most part, better relations with their unions (or in a lot of cases just employees), and better soft/hard product. Its ironic but I kind of side with the unions (as I know from working with tons of individuals that their employers are not there to look after them), but I fly Etihad for the most part which does not employee unionised labour. The only saving grace is that Etihad's employees pay very little if at all income tax and their accomodation is paid for resulting in their own living conditions to be similiar if not better than Qantas'.

This move by Joyce has really allowed others to become the "White Knight" and it also improves staff morale when they know their company at least doesn't stop work and strand its passengers.

amaroo

IMO, for every 1000 passengers that say they will never fly Q again about 999 of them will have forgotten that call by the time they pull their wallets out to purchase the next tickets.

Just causes & bitter experiences rarely survive the wallet test

AndDee

Rubbish - Qantas is rarely the cheapest!

BNE2?

+1 ^....For most of my usual routes, it is generally one of the more expensive carriers.

cavemanzk

Whats the story with Qantas having to get CASA clearance to resume services?