Qantas nixes staff volunteer problem after union outcry

Qantas nixes staff volunteer problem after union outcry

Qantas has called off a program asking its head office workers to volunteer during the festive season after unions accused them of “wage theft” and “grinch behaviour”.

The request, which was emailed out to staff members, asked their Campus-based employees to “lend a hand to the front line in December and January,” the email states, according to SMH.

“We require volunteers to assist at the self-service check-ins and auto bag drop area, bussing gates, concourse arrivals hall and at the transfer desk. The roles allocated to volunteers will depend on their preferences, skillset and security requirements.”

The Australian Services Union’s NSW branch secretary Natalie Lang called on the airline to withdraw the request and instead roster on additional staff.

Lang said the request for volunteers amounted to “wage theft” and was a “classic Grinch tale”.

“This is the period where it is so busy that Qantas actually jacks up its prices and price gouges people travelling to see loved ones … but yet they expect those people supporting those extra travellers to work for free,” she said.

“They’re robbing everyone at Christmas.”

SMH reported the program will now only include 50 senior managers and executives.

“The intent of our volunteer program has always been for head office employees to spread a bit of Christmas cheer and spend more time with our customers and airport teams over the busy period,” a Qantas spokesman told SMH.

“We recognise that some of the planned activity this year went further than previous years, so we have made some changes.”

The new plan will see the senior managers and execs handing out bottles of water and treats to passengers.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]