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The TWU has joined calls for QantasLink to maintain its bases in Canberra, Hobart and Mildura, saying their closure could “cause significant upheaval for cabin crew and pilots”.
Qantas is currently conducting a review of the three regional bases with an eye to their potential shuttering, saying staff could be more efficiently utilised at larger bases in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The union, however, has said this fails to take into account the human cost to workers.
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“We’ve got pilots and crew who have uprooted their lives after the last Qantas base closures, once again facing relocation across the country with their families,” said TWU national secretary, Michael Kaine.
“Meanwhile regional Australia is facing job losses and declining passenger standards. It is critical that Qantas addresses how it plans to ensure workers and the travelling public will be protected if this proposal goes ahead.
“Qantas has tried to convince us time and again that it has changed its ways. But this proposal shows there is still serious work to be done to change a deeply embedded culture of indifference towards workers’ and passengers’ lives. After making near-record profits of $2.39 billion, the airline is proposing to repay the Australian people by bringing the industry backwards.
“Regional Australia is still reeling from the administration of Rex and collapse of Bonza. We cannot continue to see this cycle which creates a total lack of certainty for businesses, workers and the community in our regions.”
The TWU’s intervention follows Tasmanian MP Andrew Wilkie, who this week called on the national carrier to keep its Hobart base running.
“For aircraft crew to relocate, or in effect become FIFO workers, would obviously be very difficult for them and their families, and a significant economic loss to Hobart,” he said.
“The bottom line is that generations of Tasmanians, including hundreds of Qantas staff, have given their loyalty to the Flying Kangaroo. They expect that to be reciprocated.”
In a previous statement, QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan stressed that no final decision has been made on the bases’ future.
“This announcement is part of an ongoing review of our base structure, which is focused on improving reliability for customers and ensuring we can continue to grow our regional flying network into the future,” she said.
“Having more team members based at our busiest ports would help us respond more quickly to disruptions and reduce delays and cancellations for our customers.
“If a decision is made to close these bases, there’ll be ongoing work for all of our pilots and cabin crew, and we’re committed to supporting our people through this process.”
Qantas said it would consult with its staff and their union representatives before making any final decisions.
