QANTAS CAMPAIGN UPDATES

Klaus was speaking today outside the Qantas Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Canberra, where he joined TWU members and other Qantas shareholders in voicing deep disapproval with the existing management at Qantas.

“The past 12 months have been nothing short of a disaster for Qantas workers, shareholders and the national interest and the blame must be laid squarely on the existing senior management team led by CEO Alan Joyce and Leigh Clifford. The morning after last year’s AGM, Alan Joyce locked out his 35,000 staff and grounded the airline at a cost of $194 million to the company. In doing so, he stranded 90,000 men, women and children across the world and did untold damage to the Qantas brand.”

“Since this unprecedented act of employer militancy, shareholders have watched in horror as the share price has collapsed 42 per cent in the last year. Now Qantas has announced an Alliance with Emirates, which will see Qantas cuts routes, cancel new fuel-efficient planes and continue outsourcing and offshoring aviation jobs.”

Chris O’Grady, a Qantas employee at Canberra airport for more than 14 years commented, “I’m proud to work at Qantas. But the current management don’t value the people like me who keep this company going through thick and thin. They don’t seem to have a long-term strategy for anything other than cutting jobs and routes and promoting the frequent flyer programme. I’m here today to ask why they have targeted loyal employees like me and what benefit this has brought to Qantas.”

Klaus Pinkas continued; “Not only do Qantas executives boast about cutting 2800 jobs, but it is apparent that they have no concern for their workforce or how their bad decisions are putting Qantas’ good reputation and safety record at risk. We’re seeing Thai flight attendants being paid as little as $400 a month to work four-seven day shifts, including double and triple shift roster on Australian domestic routes. Not only does this raise serious safety and ethical concerns, it also undermines the very future of our aviation industry.”

Mr Pinkas concluded: “Looking to the future what Qantas needs is a sensible management team who recognise the value of engaging with the workforce. We also need a level playing field across all airlines that fly in Australian airspace with transparent rates of pay, conditions, security checks and the highest safety standards. We are calling on the Government and everyone who cares about Qantas to stand with the Qantas workforce to keep the Kangaroo Flying.”

Fair Work Australia has handed down its long awaited decision regarding the TWU’s battle with Qantas.  The TWU rose to the occasion and made some important gains, receiving an array of protections and wage increases for members.

Last week TWU members, delegates and officials joined with your legal team lead by Barrister Adam Hatcher, made history for all TWU Qantas members, presenting your case to the full bench of Fair Work Australia for the arbitration of your new terms and conditions of employment.  

Congratulations to George Oei, TWU delegate at Qantas Baggage Sydney International Airport, who has been awarded the ACTU Delegate of the year.  George has been representing TWU members at Qantas for more than six years.