QANTAS CEO COMMITMENT TO RESTORING RELATIONSHIP WITH UNIONS MUST BEGIN WITH ACTION ON COMPENSATION AND CABIN CREW PAY

The TWU is calling on Qantas to work quickly to compensate illegally outsourced Qantas workers after today’s Qantas AGM involved a commitment from CEO Vanessa Hudson to restore relationships with unions.

Earlier this week the Federal Court handed down a decision that outsourced workers should be compensated for both economic losses and hurt and suffering, with the latter involving a range of $30,000, $40,000 and $100,000 for three test cases. The decision means the potential of over $100 million in compensation with penalties yet to be determined.

The TWU is also calling on Qantas to work with the union on a fair outcome for cabin crew after a recent application under new Same Job Same Pay laws to lift Jetstar crew pay.

Last year’s AGM involved then-Chair Richard Goyder making orders to shut down a shareholder’s microphone, and remarking that “I’ve got absolutely zero concern about the ethics of the people who sit alongside me on the Qantas board” in response to questions about illegal outsourcing.

In 2023 there was an 83% vote against executive remuneration as well as a 34% vote against the re-election of Todd Sampson.

TWU National Assistant Secretary Emily McMillan said Qantas’ commitments must be followed up with tangible action.

“Illegally outsourced Qantas workers are understandably cynical about Qantas’ commitment to ensure compensation as quickly as possible, given the airline has dragged them through the courts for four years and argued they should receive no compensation at all. These workers should not keep suffering after the anguish they’ve been through, and it’s up to Qantas to ensure they’re paid what they are owed quickly and efficiently.

“Current Qantas workers are still living the effects of the Joyce regime, with thousands split across dozens of subsidiaries and labour hire companies paying significantly less than directly-hired workers. Qantas must work with us to resolve the current application to lift the pay of Jetstar crew who were employed on lower pay and conditions than directly-employed workers.

“This is a pivotal point for Qantas and it can choose to turn in the right direction away from the wreckage created under Joyce. That will still require a shift in attitude back towards seeing workers as an investment rather than a cost to be ruthlessly cut.

“The colossal failings of leadership we’ve seen from Qantas over the last few years cannot be repeated in the future. The best way to ensure that is to put in place a Safe and Secure Skies Commission so decisions in aviation is not left to profit-obsessed executives.”

Media contact: Emily Mead 0432 552 895