Qantas domestic flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in an ongoing dispute over changes to working conditions. The Flight Attendants’ Association (FAAA) said 99% voted for industrial action over working longer hours with reduced rest times. The FAAA’s action could include strikes for up to 24 hours, raising the possibility of domestic flight disruptions over the Christmas holidays.

Qantas’ offer would extend domestic cabin crew shifts from 9.5 hours to 12 hours, and up to 14 hours if there is a disruption.

It also proposes reducing rest periods to 10 hours, which the union said could increase fatigue issues.

The airline has also offered its unionised workers 3 percent annual pay rises for four years following a two-year pay freeze enforced when Qantas planes were grounded due to COVID-19. The union says this could cause fatigue.

“This is a very disappointing step given we’re continuing to negotiate towards a new agreement,” Qantas said.

Union hasn’t announced any strike dates yet.