Hundreds of Qantas cabin-crew members servicing fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) mining charters across Western Australia have voted to take protected industrial action after negotiations for a new enterprise agreement stalled. The Transport Workers’ Union advised late on 10 January that stoppages of up to 24 hours could begin with seven days’ notice if no deal is reached.
FIFO links between Perth and remote Pilbara and Kimberley airstrips are lifelines for Australia’s iron-ore and LNG sectors. Any disruption would force resource companies either to delay shift changes or charter substitute aircraft at short notice. Analysts estimate that even a one-day shutdown could strand 6,000 workers and cost mining operators more than A$40 million in lost productivity.
![Qantas FIFO Cabin Crew in Western Australia Threaten Strike, Raising Business-Travel Risk]()
Global mobility coordinators arranging short-notice swings for overseas specialists can streamline Australian visa and ETA processing through VisaHQ’s online platform; the service offers rapid turnaround, real-time status alerts and dedicated support for resources-sector employers—visit https://www.visahq.com/australia/ to learn more.
The union wants wage rises that match mainland cost-of-living indices and parity in overnight allowances with Qantas mainline crews. Qantas counters that its Network Aviation subsidiary already pays above-award rates and that international freight softness limits headroom for increases. Talks at the Fair Work Commission resume this week.
Mobility managers moving assignees or contractors to Western Australian projects should activate contingency plans—booking flexible fares, considering public Jetstar services into Karratha or Port Hedland, and budgeting for longer swing rosters if crew shortages bite. Corporate insurers may also need to reassess policy triggers for trip-interruption cover.
FIFO links between Perth and remote Pilbara and Kimberley airstrips are lifelines for Australia’s iron-ore and LNG sectors. Any disruption would force resource companies either to delay shift changes or charter substitute aircraft at short notice. Analysts estimate that even a one-day shutdown could strand 6,000 workers and cost mining operators more than A$40 million in lost productivity.
Global mobility coordinators arranging short-notice swings for overseas specialists can streamline Australian visa and ETA processing through VisaHQ’s online platform; the service offers rapid turnaround, real-time status alerts and dedicated support for resources-sector employers—visit https://www.visahq.com/australia/ to learn more.
The union wants wage rises that match mainland cost-of-living indices and parity in overnight allowances with Qantas mainline crews. Qantas counters that its Network Aviation subsidiary already pays above-award rates and that international freight softness limits headroom for increases. Talks at the Fair Work Commission resume this week.
Mobility managers moving assignees or contractors to Western Australian projects should activate contingency plans—booking flexible fares, considering public Jetstar services into Karratha or Port Hedland, and budgeting for longer swing rosters if crew shortages bite. Corporate insurers may also need to reassess policy triggers for trip-interruption cover.
