Senator Eric Abetz

“Reports today that Qantas staff have been threatened with violence as retribution for not taking part in union strike action is to be utterly condemned and has absolutely no place in modern day industrial disputation,” Senator Abetz said today.

“I call on Prime Minister Julia Gillard and ACTU President Ged Kearney to send the strongest message possible to those who would partake in this type of thuggery by publicly condemning this despicable behaviour.”

“Death threats, violence and damage to property signals a return to the bad old days where certain elements of the Labor backed union movement think they can get away with the intimidation of workers and employers alike when they don’t get their way.”

“This sort of extreme behaviour is abhorrent and the Prime Minister and the ACTU President must act immediately to condemn it,” Senator Abetz said.