Jetstar workers to walk off the job over Christmas period

Travel plans over Christmas may be thrown into chaos this year, after Jetstar employees voted in favour of industrial action.

Baggage handlers and ground crew will walk off the job over their work hours and wages after the company "rejected basic demands".

"(This includes) 30 guaranteed hours of work per week and increases to current wages, which are among the lowest rates in the industry," the Transport Workers Union said.

"The vote comes amid concerns over security and safety at the airline and a warning from the TWU that the Federal Government's announcement on extra police at airports won't address security problems."

The strike will affect airports in each capital city as well as Cairns and will take place in the coming weeks and months.

Jetstar said in is "surprised" over the action, claiming the union provided their full list of claims "two weeks" before the meeting.

However the TWU refuted that, and said the airline "had the vast majority of our claims since August."

Jetstar said passengers shouldn't experience too much disturbance to their travel plans.

"The impact of any potential industrial action by members of the TWU is likely to be minimal as we have strong contingency plans in place," it said.

The airline says it "remains committed" to reaching a new agreement.