The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) today called on Fair Work Australia to suspend the protected Qantas industrial action for a period of four months.

The Qantas industrial disputes, according to reports today in The Australian and The Daily Telegraph, have degenerated into death threats, abuse, property damage and intimidation. The more serious matters have been referred to the police.

IPA Work Reform and Productivity Director John Lloyd called for the suspension.

“Fair Work Australia has various avenues available to it to suspend or terminate the industrial action,” he said.

“It is unlawful to intimidate people who choose not to participate in industrial action. The militancy associated with the disputes appears to be increasing. The economic harm to Qantas is considerable and the public’s travel plans are being regularly disrupted.”

Mr Lloyd said allegations of damage to property and menacing correspondence sent to homes are totally unacceptable.

“The disputes appeared to escalate last week when strikes were called leading into the weekend of the grand finals and during school holidays.

“A complacent response by authorities to violence and intimidation should not be contemplated. Such conduct has no place in Australian workplace relations.

“A four month cooling off suspension would take the strike free period past the summer holidays.”