Hi the ceo of qantas has grounded all aircraft international and domestic effective imediately. Passengers were offloaded while sitting on the tarmac etc, this is due to the relationship between the union and qantas. The union apparently wants to control what qantas does in overseas market etc but the ceo doesnt want the union to get involved what so ever. So this be interesting to see how this pans out since this is a first time this is happened here. (ceo versus the unions)

That may cost a lot of money

True, but the unions had been striking with further strikes planned. That was costing Quantas too.

I just read about this in the news. Must say I was rather flabbergasted, didn'tsee it coming. But then again, I didn't know about any Qantas strikes until readin the news post...

I don't understand what this "union" thing is. Can anybody explain it to me?

I don't understand what this "union" thing is. Can anybody explain it to me?

Is that supposed to be sarcasm, or genuine ignorance?...because, sarcasm doesn't always translate through message boards as well as it does face to face.

Is that supposed to be sarcasm, or genuine ignorance?...because, sarcasm doesn't always translate through message boards as well as it does face to face.

Ignorance. Is there a problem?

Ignorance. Is there a problem?

Unions are a 3rd party organization that represents workers in a company, or industry. They negotiate labor contracts with management, for better pay, benefits and working conditions. When the contract runs out, they either settle on a new one, or if the parties don't agree, they can walk off the job (strike) until a new contract is agreed upon. There are some cases where management will Lock out the workers, until they agree to their terms. In some government jobs, their are laws prohibiting, or restricting strikes, for their workers. That don't mean that they won't strike, but if they do, could face loss of job (This is what happened to the Air Traffic Controllers in the 80's in the US), fines, or in some cases imprisonment. (Usually the leaders of the union).

Unions are a 3rd party organization that represents workers in a company, or industry. They negotiate labor contracts with management, for better pay, benefits and working conditions. When the contract runs out, they either settle on a new one, or if the parties don't agree, they can walk off the job (strike) until a new contract is agreed upon. There are some cases where management will Lock out the workers, until they agree to their terms. In some government jobs, their are laws prohibiting, or restricting strikes, for their workers. That don't mean that they won't strike, but if they do, could face loss of job (This is what happened to the Air Traffic Controllers in the 80's in the US), fines, or in some cases imprisonment. (Usually the leaders of the union).

Oh!! Got it! Thanks.

A Trubunal in Australia has ordered Qantas to resume flying.However, it also ordered that unions return to the negotiating table and come to an agreement within 21 days or face binding arbitration. That was what Qantas wanted.