Australian Aviation Unions Federation

Members by now will have had time to absorb the detail of the announcement by Alan Joyce about the future of Qantas international flying.

As the announcement impacts international flying in the first instance, the FAAA Domestic/Regional Division is sensitive to our colleagues in the FAAA International Division as their members will feel the most impact of these announcements. It is therefore appropriate that our International Division be given the opportunity to deal with the announcement and make any comment on behalf of their members.

Suffice to say, there is no doubt that the decision to reduce the Qantas international network and create new airlines based in Asia will stagnate future employment prospects for Australians and create a feeling of long term job insecurity for its loyal and dedicated employees who must be fearing ‘are we next?’ Perhaps, the decision makers should drop the slogan ‘the Spirit of Australia’ from their repertoire because this is not the Australian way.

The Aviation Unions Federation (comprising FAAA Domestic/Regional Division, TWU, ALAEA and as of yesterday, AIPA) is currently in discussion regarding a nationwide campaign to ensure the Qantas Board does not “sell the farm” from under Australians and concentrates its’ efforts in keeping jobs “downunder”.

Written and authorised by Jo?Ann Davidson, Divisional Secretary