Statement by Tony Sheldon in response to latest Qantas Group Announcement
Release date: 17/02/2012
My thoughts are first and foremost with the workers, families and communities that have been devastated by yesterday’s announcement from the Qantas Group. Some 500 workers will pay the price for the company’s arrogance and bad decision-making. The TWU represents the large majority of the 150 workers at the Adelaide Catering facility which management announced it will axe next March. This workforce will in all likelihood be replaced by an outsourcing company.
Once again, senior management’s arrogant, bullying and downright militant tactics were on show yesterday. Qantas thumbed its nose at Australian industrial relations law, giving no notice to unions despite being required to consult under the terms of Enterprise Bargaining Agreements and the Fair Work Act. TWU delegates met with senior Qantas management on Wednesday, including the head of QCatering, who did not have the courtesy to give notice as to the company’s intention with regard to these workers.
Despite, rather than because of, Qantas’ senior management and Board, the airline remains profitable. This is down to the expertise, skills and dedication of their workforce and the loyalty of the Australian people to an Australian airline. If management had not shut down the airline and locked out their 35,000 employees, profits would be broadly in line with those from 2011.
From a business perspective, what should be highlighted is the continued failure to progress in any way with their much lauded Asia venture. Qantas management remains committed only to outsourcing work in Australia and off shoring jobs where it can.
The Qantas Group has slashed jobs yet again to make up for their bad decision-making and focus on hedge fund managements. These decisions have cost 500 Australians their livelihoods, ripped the heart out of communities and further sullied the already tarnished reputation of a once great Australian icon.
Ends
Notes for Editors.
TWU represents 119 of the 150 workers based at Qcatering in Adelaide.
TWU delegates met with Qantas senior management in Melbourne on Wednesday February 15th, including Eric Skinner QCatering Head of Operations, to discuss the ongoing arbitration before Fair Work Australia. At no stage was this significant workplace change flagged or discussed.
Under the terms of the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement and the Fair Work Act, management are required to inform unions in advance of major workplace changes that impact on employees.
For more information, Contact: Barry Dunning, Press Officer, Transport Workers' Union, Tel: 0408 463 199, barry.dunning@twu.com.au
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