Qantas bosses handle baggage as they take on strike jobs

SYDNEY (AFP) - Managers at Australian carrier Qantas will work as baggage handlers and ground staff next week while bigger aircraft will be used to combat a planned strike by 3,800 workers, the airline said on Thursday.

The airline warned of delays that could linger for up to two days when Transport Workers Union (TWU) members walk out for four hours next Tuesday and impose running bans on paperwork and other jobs.

The strike will hit the 5am to 9am (3am to 7am Singapore time) morning rush in most cities, while it has been scheduled for the afternoon peak in Canberra and Adelaide.

Qantas said it would consolidate some services by using bigger aircraft and 'deploy management staff to act in operational roles' in order to minimise disruption during the action. 'The TWU is intent on causing disruptions to Qantas passengers and we are doing everything we possibly can to reduce the delays and cancellations,' said Qantas media chief Olivia Wirth.

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