The Transport Workers Union raised further concerns today following the announcement of Qantas’ strategic alliance with AirAsia.
TWU National Airport Organiser Scott Connolly said the union and its international affiliates held increasing concerns for workers and travellers in light of yesterday’s deal.
“The TWU has received reports from international colleagues of AirAsia breaching international labour standards by not allowing its workers to organise. Our colleagues on the ground tell us that the climate of fear is such that not a single worker is prepared to apply to register an AirAsia union.
“Of equal concern is AirAsia’s attitude to safety. We have reports of a number of ‘hard landing’ incidents hushed up in Malaysia, and AirAsia is one of a very few airlines to run almost obsolete, 20-year-old 737s.
“Make no mistake: any costs saved through this Qantas–AirAsia alliance has the real potential to be at the expense the human dignity of the workforce, and customers’ right to safe travel.
“The TWU represents thousands of members who are proud to work for Qantas. We can’t allow this Australian icon to be cheapened, and we will be talking to other unions who share our concerns.
“The public has a right to know which airlines meet international community standards.”
Mr Connolly said that in response to these international reports the TWU will be working locally and internationally to expose any contravention of safety and labour standards under the Qantas–AirAsia partnership.
“In the interim, as Qantas management no doubt focuses on the finalising the finer practical details of the alliance, we are calling on them to do what is expected of them by all Australians and ensure any strategic partner of our national airline meets Australian workplace, safety and security standards,” he concluded.