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Proposed QantasLink base closures could spark an exodus of pilots from the airline, a trio of unions has warned.
A joint survey conducted by the TWU, AFAP and AIPA of pilots potentially affected by the closure of bases in Canberra and Hobart found that 68 per cent would look for other jobs if the move went ahead, with a further 25 per cent undecided.
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QantasLink is examining whether bases in Canberra, Hobart and Mildura should be shuttered for the sake of efficiency, with staff moved to larger centres in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The unions said this is despite previous assurances from Qantas that all bases would remain operational, and comes less than a year after the Flying Kangaroo had endorsed pilots moving to any base of their choice.
Pilots surveyed expressed dismay at the possible closures, with some having just bought houses near the bases and others saying it would split up their families or force them to choose between their careers and their children.
“After promises that bases were safe, this is a swift kick in the guts. Families have made major financial decisions based on assurances from management,” one pilot said.
According to TWU national secretary Michael Kaine, the potential closures showed that Qantas is “treating its people, as well as the people of Australia, as expendable”.
“It is not enough that pilots have already uprooted their entire lives once after the last base closures, now they may have to do so again and make the impossible choice between their career and their loved ones,” he said.
“The aviation industry is already in crisis and these base closures would only bring down standards for workers and passengers further.
“It is clear that we still cannot trust aviation executives to act in the interests of its workforce or regional Australia.”
AIPA president Captain Andrew Marshall added that one in five pilots surveyed have already needed to relocate due to a base closure.
“National Jet Systems members are facing the prospect of base closures and possible relocation as a result. This is an incredibly traumatic time for those involved and their families,” he said.
“Some are facing it for the second time in a number of years and, considering reported assurances that the bases were safe as little as a couple of months ago, this must be hitting very hard.
“We will continue to ensure the rights of NJS pilots are upheld throughout this process.”
Qantas said its review is still ongoing and has not yet reached a conclusion on the bases’ future.
