More union strike action

URGENT COMMUNICATION      More Union Strike Action on Friday                     UPDATE : 10.30am, 27 September 2011

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Australian Licenced Engineers Association (ALAEA) will again be taking strike action against Qantas on Friday 30 September.   The TWU will strike for 1 hour this Friday. The ALAEA wil strike for 1 hour on Friday in Melbourne. Qantas are currently assessing the impact of this strike action and implementing contingency measures on what is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year.   The strike action is expected to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of people including football fans travelling to Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final, Rugby League fans travelling to Sydney for the NRL Grand Final and families travelling interstate for the school holidays. Affected travellers are advised to refer to the Qantas website for the latest information. Alternatively, contact your dedicated Goldman Travel consultant for more information.

Delays expected due to strike on 27 September.

URGENT COMMUNICATION      Delays expected due to Strike Action by Quarantine and Customs staff                     UPDATE : 12.30pm, 26 September 2011

International travellers are warned to expect delays due to the commencement of strike action by customs and quaratine staff.  Customs officers from up to 50 locations will strike for 2 hours tomorrow from 7am. Quarantine inspection staff at international airports will hold stop-work meetings.  Disruptions are expected to affect both arriving and departing passengers at international airports and will occur as follows: Sydney International Airport Tuesday 27 SeptemberDelays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 6am – 9am 7pm – 8pm Thursday 29 SeptemberDelays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 6am – 9am 7pm – 8pm Saturday 1 OctoberDelays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 6am – 9am 7pm – 8pm Melbourne International Airport Tuesday 27 September Delays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 7am -8am 3pm – 4pm 9pm – 10pm Brisbane International Airport Tuesday 27 September Delays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 7am - 8am 7.30pm – 8.30pm Perth International Airport Tuesday 27 September Delays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 1.30pm - 3.30pm 11pm – 1am Wednesday 28 September Affected travellers are advised to refer to Australian Customs for the latest information.   Alternatively, contact your dedicated Goldman Travel consultant.

Security Breach causes flight delays

URGENT COMMUNICATION     Security breach causes flight delays                     UPDATE : 1pm, 19 September 2011

Flights from Sydney Airport's Qantas domestic terminal have been delayed for up to 2 hours due to a security breach. Passengers have reported that planes have been grounded and the terminal closed. All passengers are being re-screened after 2 people walked into a security area without being properly screened For further information, please contact your dedicated Goldman Travel consutant.

Update on Qantas Union Strike Action

URGENT COMMUNICATION     Update on Union Strike Action                     UPDATE : 11.30am, 19 September 2011

Qantas has advised that its contingency plan for tomorrow's union strike action will include using larger aircraft on some routes, consolidate services on others and management staff will act in operational roles to minimise the disruption to customers. At present the schedule is showing 28 flights have been cancelled and a further 27 services will be delayed by up to 35 minutes. The commercial policy options listed below are available to Qantas customers holding a valid Qantas (081) ticket issued on/before 20 September 2011 who are directly affected by schedule activity (ie cancelled and retimed flights resultings from TWU industrial action) for travel 20 September 2011.  Without a fee imposed, passengers will be able to Rebook to alternative Qantas flights (including QF codeshare flights operated by BA) Re-route travel via the most direct route using Qantas Re-route travel to return to the origin port via the most direct routing using Qantas Change destinations. The value of the existing ticket can be used towards the purchase of a new ticket. If the new fare is more expensive than the existing ticketed fare, the fare difference is payable by the passenger. (Applicable taxes may apply) Retain the value of the new ticket in credit for future travel within 12 months from the original ticketed date of departure. If the new fare is more expensive than the existing ticketed fare, the fare difference is payable by the passenger. (Applicable taxes may apply). For the full list of conditions and for the lastest information, please refer to the Qantas website. Alternatively, contact your dedicated Goldman Travel consultant for more information.

Union strike Action to affect Qantas next week

URGENT COMMUNICATION      Union Strike Action to affect Qantas                     UPDATE : 2pm, 15 September 2011

Travellers on Qantas flights next Tuesday 20th September are being warned to expect disruptions after the Transport Workers Union notified the airline of a planned 4 hour strike.  Staff involved include baggage handlers, ground staff, catering, freight and other transport roles. The strike action will occur on the same day as planned industrial action by the pilot's union and the licensed aircraft maintenance engineers' union. Further work bans may afffect flights for a 48-hour period and Qantas is currently developing contingency plans. Affected travellers are advised to refer to http://www.mailoutguys.com/ukt/link.php?M=1179&N=354&L=1114&F=H for the latest information. Alternatively, contact your dedicated Goldman Travel consultant for more information.