by Kerry Larsen

It is hoped the Douglas region’s tourism industry won’t be affected yet again next week with the expected strike action by Qantas Airlines engineering staff, which may affect Cairns Airport.

After taking a direct hit following this year’s floods, Cyclone Yasi and earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand, the Douglas tourism industry may cop the brunt of the latest hurdle, with the Monday’s proposed start of the rolling strikes led by the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association coinciding with the commencement of Victorian and New South Wales school holidays.

It is believed Qantas line maintenance engineers will down tools at Melbourne on Monday, and Brisbane on Wednesday, with further stoppages mooted for later in the week, possibly affecting Cairns Airport.

Qantas says it will put on bigger aircraft and have extra staff at airports next week to minimise disruptions to passengers, with Boeing 767 aircraft being scheduled on some routes in and out of Melbourne on Monday.

A Qantas spokesman says the vast majority of customers will remain on scheduled services, with others to be moved onto flights within 15 minutes of their original departure time, and would contact affected passengers over the weekend to inform them of any changes.

The ALAEA is taking strike action as part of negotiations for a new pay agreement and work conditions.