Coronavirus: Airlines sack staff, hundreds of Aussie travellers stranded on cruise ship
A Qantas worker has allegedly been fired for giving advice to staff about the coronavirus.
This comes as China Southern Airlines laid off 220 foreign pilots and Cathay Pacific asks its employees to take unpaid leave, due to travel restrictions caused by the virus.
According to a release from the Transport Workers Union (TWU), a worker who is a trained health and safety representative of the airline was stood down for giving advice to colleagues about their rights regarding the coronavirus.
“We are very concerned that airport workers on the frontline of this virus outbreak are being threatened, intimidated and stood down from their jobs rather than being supported and given all the protections they need,” Richard Olsen, TWU NSW branch secretary said.
“We call on Qantas to immediately reinstate the worker who has been stood down and to withdraw letters of intimidation to people who expressed concerns about working on flights from China.
“This is not a time for using bullying workplace tactics.”
Travel Weekly understands the employee who was stood down was a TWU delegate who is being investigated after telling employees it was not safe to work on aircraft arriving from China.
“We would never ask our employees to work in unsafe conditions,” Dr Russell Brown, of Qantas medical said in a statement.
“The TWU knows full well that the risk of aviation workers contracting coronavirus as a result of working on an aircraft originating from China is very low. I briefed them on the situation last week.
“Our medical team is in regular contact with health authorities and is receiving the latest advice from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer and the World Health Organisation.
“Additional protective measures are being put in place on flights from China to further reduce the risk of our employees contracting coronavirus and we are providing them with regular updates on the latest health advice.”
Meanwhile, The Australian has reported that China Southern Airlines, China’s biggest airline, informed 220 foreign pilots via WeChat they would be on “non-fixed term leave without pay” due to the reduction in services.
China Southern reportedly cancelled 67 per cent of its flights on Monday.
Cathay Pacific told Travel Weekly in a statement that a significant drop in market demand prompted them to announce massive capacity cuts.
As a result, the airline is calling on its 27,000 employees to participate in a special leave scheme taking effect from 1 March until 30 June where they will be given the option to take three weeks of unpaid leave.
“Preserving cash is the key to protecting our business. We have already been taking multiple measures to achieve this,” the airline said.
Aussies trapped on Diamond Princess
Two Australians were among the ten passengers with confirmed coronavirus diagnoses onboard Diamond Princess yesterday, according to ABC News.
On Wednesday, Princess Cruises told Travel Weekly the ship, which is docked in Yokohama, Japan, would remain in quarantine for 14 days while those diagnosed with the virus would be transferred to a Japanese hospital.
The cruise line told ABC News there was a total of 223 Australians among the nearly 4,000 people onboard the ship.
“The 10 people have been notified and will be taken ashore by Japanese Coast Guard watercraft and transported to local hospitals for care by shoreside Japanese medical professionals,” the cruise line said.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton told ABC News the situation was complex.
“There are issues around crews, cruise liners, crews on cargo ships, for example, being met by pilots or food being transferred on to those ships where you’ve had a crew that’s come out of this province or somewhere else in China that’s at risk,” Dutton said.
“My understanding is if they’ve been in isolation for 14 days, on that boat, and people who have presented with the virus have been removed from that setting, then I think they can come back.
“I think we’ll have a look at the individual cases, and DFAT has done a great job at looking at the individual cases and the nuance of each family unit and how we can help those people.”
Christmas Island concerned over bad publicity
Christmas Island locals are concerned that while the island’s tourism sector has suffered an image problem from its use as a detention centre, its use as a quarantine may be the final nail in the coffin for its chances of a tourism revival.
Christmas Island Shire President Gordon Thomson told ABC News the island was now at risk of being seen as a home for illness.
“It was an island of incarceration when the refugees were being locked up here and that was ruinous, and when the operation was in full swing tourism just died, because there were no hotel rooms for tourists who might want to come,” he said.
“Although this will be very short term, the publicity for Christmas Island isn’t about it as a tourist destination, it’s about people being incarcerated here for whatever reason.”
Featured image credit: iStock/powerofforever
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
cathay pacific china southern airlines christmas island coronavirus diamond princess princess cruises qantasLatest News
Luxury Travel Collection’s Nikki Glading spills all on member network perks: Travel Weekly TV
We urge you to enjoy this in true LTC style and pop a glass of bubbles with lunch today.
Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets
Auckland Airport has revealed a first detailed look at the planned interior for the city’s future new domestic jet terminal and what it will deliver for coming generations of passengers. Expected to open by 2030 the terminal takes design cues from the Manukau Harbour and surrounding landscape include a range of modern airport services. “Easy […]
Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week
Air New Zealand cabin crew used sign language to communicate with passengers, including signing the inflight announcements and onboard service offerings, in a world-first to mark the beginning of New Zealand Sign Language Week, from 6-12 May. Customers on NZ421 from Auckland to Wellington were also encouraged to give New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) a […]
Holland America Line’s giving one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience
Holland America Line is offering a “Win The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience” as its latest incentive to lure Aussie cruisers to the northern hemisphere hotspot. One lucky winner will embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the perfectly mid-sized Koningsdam, departing from Anchorage, Alaska on August 13, 2024, and arriving in Vancouver on August 24. The […]
Tag’s Byron Carr excited about K-Pop induced Asia expansion
Carr to go all Gangnam Style with TAG's Asian expansion
CATO commemorates 25 years with anniversary dinner
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced its 25th Anniversary Dinner that will not only commemorate CATO’s historic milestones but will also provide an invaluable opportunity for members to network and reflect on numerous significant achievements. This prestigious event for members will be held at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on Thursday, 20 June, […]
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.