 POSITION ON THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY GENERAL COMMENTS The delivery of safe, reliable, inexpensive, on time, hassle free seats to the flying public is GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA'S) primary aim for the airline industry. The Australian airline industry is a massively complex, expensive, high risk, technologically advanced service provider and as such must be prudently regulated to maximise the benefits to customers, airline companies, shareholders, airport operators and other major stake holders. AIRLINE OPERATORS How many operators? At the core of this matter are issues of healthy competition, customer service standards, safety and profitability. GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA) sees the creation of a monopoly as unacceptable and unhealthy to all parties. However, in the past, the introduction of too many operators led initially to cheaper fares, but then to the bankruptcy of airlines. Overseas control of one of our oldest and most respected airlines also led to a similar result. The necessity for firm, clear and timely regulation of this industry by a strong umpire is thus clear. GLOBAL
ACTION (AUSTRALIA) supports a two major Australian controlled
and operated airline policy on major internal routes. In
addition
feeder routes and terminal space should be regulated to allow the
growth
of viable regional airlines operating on regulated feeder
routes. GLOBAL ACTION AUSTRALIA would
review the flight operations
of all foreign airlines on domestic Australia runs and review foreign
landing rights. Global Action Australia would also review the
service and safety records of all foreign carriers operating into and
out of Australia. TERMINAL OPERATORS GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA) views the privatisation of national air terminals with some concern and sees little benefit to the flying public. As a result the licenses and operation of these terminals will be under constant watch. PASSENGER AND CREW SAFETY (TERRORISM AND HIJACKING) GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA) supports the need for eternal vigilance in the battle with terrorists. The following are vital to the safety of passengers and crew: a. First class, state of the art, ongoing, anti terrorist training for all Australian flight crew and ground staff. b. The development and use of Australian anti terrorist technology in all commercial airliners and terminals. c. The enhancement of intelligence gathering to preempt action by terrorists and hijackers. AIR SAFETY Australia has one of the best safety records in the world and GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA) will not allow that to be compromised in any way whatsoever. INDUSTRIAL ACTION Under GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA) the customer comes first - the interests of the passengers override those of all other parties including, shareholders, airlines, terminal operators and unions. As a matter of policy the following will apply:
a. No passenger's flight will be
delayed
as a result of industrial action by airlines, terminal
operators
or
b. The airline industry will be viewed as
an "essential" service, in the same way as the military,
police,
fire and
c. Although unions will be permitted to
strike,
legislation will be introduced to outlaw strike action aimed at
d. Unions will be permitted to picket, go
slow, display signs at their workplace and protest in their usual ways
e. Airlines will not be permitted to in any way disrupt passenger flight plans as a result of industrial action.
f. Terminal operators
will not be permitted to in any way disrupt passenger flight plans as a
result of industrial
g. GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA) provides the
above incentives so that operators and unions can resolve
h. Industrial action that results
in
the disruption of customers flight plans and added costs to customers
will FUTURE DIRECTIONS In consultation with all stake holders GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA) will firmly monitor the airline industry and legislate to manage its activities to maximise its smooth operation and ensure that the interests of all parties including customers and those who work or invest in the industry are honoured. To
put it another way - the government will no longer be a powerless
bystander
in ruinously expensive airline disputes.
email us at: issues@globalactint.com
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