A number of Jetstar flights are expected to be cancelled over the weekend as pilots, ground crews and baggage handlers strike. 

The Australian Federation of Air Pilots and the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) are both taking industrial action after negotiations over wages and conditions broke down.

The strike started at 5.30am this morning and will continue until December 20.

Dozens of flights have been cancelled all over the country, with travellers are being urged to check the Jetstar website for their flight status.

National Secretary of the TWU Michael Kaine tells Steve Price the workers were left with no choice but to strike.

“This is regrettable, these workers didn’t want to disrupt travel plans but they’ve been left with no option.

“We’ve asked Jetstar to come back to the table twice this week… and they’ve just refused to do so.”

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Assistant Secretary of the TWU Nick Pieri tells Deb Knight negotiations have been going on for a long time.

“The last time they were negotiating they took out a wage freeze that was 18 months. Yet the CEO took a bonus then and he took a bonus now, which was $24 million.

“They want a very small amount which is 4 per cent, but that’s not the issue. The issue is that a lot of these workers are on 20 hours a week.

“That’s not enough to pay your rent, let alone put food on the table.”

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Image: Getty/Sam Mooy