Over the past few weeks, speculation has been rife on the future of Qantas in Australia. This speculation has not only been played out in the media, but many Qantas workers are hearing rumours around their workplace about their future job security.
It's widely anticipated that the Qantas group will announce a large loss at the half yearly results due to be announced later this week on Thursday 27 February. Unfortunately, recent history has shown that Qantas announces large job losses at these media events and there is plenty of speculation about what will be said.
We know that senior Qantas executives have been in discussions with the Abbott Government about support for the national carrier. What we don't know yet is the details of any 'deal' that Qantas has struck with the Government and how that may affect the workforce across the Qantas group. There have been suggestions in the media that industrial relations will form part of any 'deal' between the airline and the Federal Government.
The facts are that ASU members at Qantas, Jetstar and the regional airlines have always taken pride in making the airline great.
The wages and conditions of ASU members are modest and our members have always been prepared to embrace new systems and technology and ways to make the company more efficient and productive.
Since enterprise bargaining first began in the early 1990s, Qantas workers have shown wage restraint, including agreeing to a wage freeze in the aftermath of 9/11 and the Ansett collapse. It's these efforts that have helped Qantas become one of the most successful airlines in the world.
Everyone working in the airline industry understands that the issues facing Qantas are complex. Any attempt to blame hard working Qantas & Jetstar workers for the position the airline finds itself in today is a political con and we won't stand for it.
It’s your working future we will be fighting for.
Unions and their members have been instrumental in delivering the standard of living Australians quite rightly enjoy today.
When it comes to Qantas management, we will be holding them to account. The day after the profit announcement the Qantas unions will be meeting with senior Qantas management about the details of the announcement and how it will affect you in your part of the Qantas group.
The ASU will report back the outcome of these discussions so look out for further newsletters and meetings in your workplace.
For further information please contact your local ASU Delegate or ASU Organiser (all ASU Branch contact details can be found here).
Media coverage
A sample of the extensive media coverage of the last few days:
Fears Qantas will slash 3000 jobs in cost-cutting drive, by Matthew O'Sullivan, James Massola and Clay Lucas, Sydney Morning Herald, 21 February 2014
Qantas denies 'unsubstantiated rumours' it will axe 3,000 jobs next week, by Yahoo/7news, 22 February 2014
Qantas Expected To Cut Thousands Of Jobs From Its Workforce This Thursday, by Sarah Kimmorley, Business Insider Australia, 22 February 2014
Abbott warns on Qantas, by The Australian with AAP, 24 February 2014