In the wake of its recently announced $1.6 billion record profit, Qantas’ attempt to link the payment of a
$2000 ‘bonus’ to workers to the signing of new enterprise agreements has fallen flat across the Qantas
workforce.
A meeting of Qantas unions convened by the ACTU in Sydney today has heard of widespread anger
amongst workers who have slammed this latest offer that would see the payment made only after the first
post-wage freeze agreement is signed off. Under these arrangements many workers could wait for years to
receive the payment.
Thousands of Qantas workers endured a pay freeze that was imposed by the company across successive
enterprise agreements dating back to 2014. Since then, the company’s profitability has soared to last
week’s record levels. Senior executive salary packages have also grown; the 2017 annual report putting
the value of senior executive packages at $53 million.
In light of these latest developments the Qantas Unions will be consulting closely with their members about
the next steps and ACTU will be writing to Qantas CEO Alan Joyce setting out workers’ concerns and urging
a rethink this announcement.
Quotes attributable to ACTU Secretary Sally McManus:
‘It is only through the dedication and effort of the Qantas workforce that we have seen the airline lift its
financial performance. Qantas had an opportunity to recognise these efforts and the sacrifices that their
workers have made. Instead it chose to make the payment depend on workers signing up to workplace
agreements years down the track.
‘Workers are asking if this is a real bonus for past performance or just another tactic designed to influence
future bargaining outcomes.’
‘When companies perform well, workers deserve their fair share.’
‘We need a fairer bargaining system that delivers for working people.’
‘Australia needs a pay rise. Qantas workers need a pay rise.’
Media contact: ACTU Media 03 9664 7315 or Lachlan Williams 0447 682 027
http://www.actu.org.au/actu-media/media-releases