Jetstar workers cancel passenger fees amid industrial dispute

Airport workers for Jetstar have stopped collecting fees from customers as part of industrial action.

Editor’s note: This story first appeared on HR Leader’s sister brand, Australian Aviation.

Members of the Australian Services Union (ASU) who work for the airline began waiving or zeroing out sales-related fees – including excess baggage charges, seat changes, and late fees – at midnight on 23 September, continuing until midnight on 24 September.

“This dispute is not about disruption to the travelling public. It is about whether Jetstar will pay the workers who deliver that service fairly for the job they already do,” the union said.

“The action falls during the first week of the Victorian and Queensland school holidays, as AFL Grand Final travel builds. Jetstar will forgo fee revenue during one of their busiest periods of the year while workers continue to serve passengers and deliver high quality services to all customers.”

According to ASU assistant secretary Scott Cowen, members are seeking wage increases to “close the gap” with other Qantas Group employees, as well as better penalty and overtime rates, improvements to sick and personal leave, more protections for extreme heat and weather, a “fairer classification structure”, and stronger protections for job security and redundancy.

“They must put a fair offer on the table or wear the cost of this dispute. Our members are still turning up to look after passengers, but they won’t be collecting extra fees on Jetstar’s behalf until Jetstar shows that it is serious about its workforce,” he said.

“The ball is now in Jetstar’s court. It’s time to improve their offer, it’s time to support the workforce that has supported Australians travelling at home and abroad.”

A Jetstar spokesperson said the airline is continuing to meet with the ASU and is “committed to working constructively towards an outcome”.

“We have plans in place so that there will be no impact to our operations as a result of the planned industrial action,” the spokesperson said.

“We’ve put a comprehensive and fair offer on the table that includes pay increases, improved penalty payments and allowances, as well as more flexibility in rostering.”

“This is a great package for our people which also allows us to keep investing in our fleet and grow our network while keeping fares low, despite escalating fuel costs impacting the industry.”

Jetstar domestic earnings increased 15 per cent, and international earnings 14 per cent, in the 2025–26 financial year.

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