“It’s more like a bribe”: Unions slam Qantas’ $5,000 ‘thank you’ payment
Aviation unions the Transport Workers Union (TWU), Flight Attendants Association of Australia (FAAA) and Australian Services Union (ASU) have slammed Qantas’ latest tactics to pressure workers into accepting ‘wage freeze’ deals resulting in long-term damage to their wages, conditions and superannuation.
The unions called for the $5,000 ‘thank you’ payment to be paid to all workers without conditions attached, including the 2,000 workers the TWU said were illegally sacked by the airline during the pandemic.
As a result of the outsourcing, workers never received the previous conditional bonus that was also tied to enterprise agreements following the last unilateral wage freeze imposed by the airline.
Over a year later, almost half of the outsourced workers are still struggling without a permanent job, according to a TWU survey released this week.
Of the half who have managed to get a job, only a quarter were able to remain in aviation, 43 per cent had to retrain or reskill and 70 per cent are now worse off.
TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said: “This is not a ‘thank you’ payment, it’s more like a bribe. The strings attached to this sham payment are just more wage suppression tactics Qantas has become accustomed to under the 15-year Joyce regime.
“All workers, especially those illegally sacked by Qantas management are owed this payment and far more.
“Outsourced workers were already ripped-off by a 2019 bogus bonus designed to pressure workers into accepting shoddy deals to suppress wages and conditions.
“These workers never even had the chance to negotiate those agreements because Qantas management outsourced them to avoid collective bargaining – which four federal court judges unanimously agreed was unlawful.”
The unions claim that Qantas has used heavy-handed tactics to pressure workers into accepting wage freeze deals and substandard conditions including applying to terminate the international cabin crew agreement to hang a 40 per cent pay cut over workers’ heads, and threats to push pilot jobs elsewhere if an agreement was not accepted.
In September 2021 Qantas’ financial report revealed CEO Alan Joyce enjoyed a pay rise in his take-home pay to $2 million and an offer of $3.7 million in performance-based bonuses, while workers were subjected to unilateral wage freezes. The top six executives received a total of $13.6 million in base salary.
In July, the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors’ annual report on CEO pay showed Alan Joyce earned a total ‘realised pay’ package of $10.74 million in FY2020.
FAAA federal secretary Teri O’Toole said: “Qantas management doesn’t understand the meaning of negotiating ‘in good faith’.
“This conditional payment in no way makes up for the disgraceful tactics used by Qantas management to coerce international cabin crew into accepting a deal that they virtually unanimously voted against for how it worsened their jobs and work-life balance.
“Domestic cabin crew are bargaining now and we were waiting for another underhanded tactic to pressure them into a shoddy deal – well, here it is.”
A spokesperson from Qantas said that the airline reject the unions’ claim that this is a bribe and drew attention to this quote from Joyce.
“Today, we’re announcing a one-off payment that goes some of the way to acknowledging the sacrifices our people have made, including long periods of no work and no annual wage increases,” he said.
“It also recognises the great work they are doing as we restart the airline, which has been challenging for everyone.”
Latest News
Tour Guides Australia backs Queensland Government Department of Tourism’s $2 million business capability subsidy
Tour Guides Australia has offered its full support for the Queensland Government Department of Tourism and Sport’s $2 million Tourism Business Capability Subsidy. The subsidy program is designed to boost the growth of Queensland’s tourism industry, offering up to $2,000 per eligible business to undertake targeted training and accreditation programs. “It is a significant opportunity […]
Club Med Musandam is newest addition to the resort group and a first for the Middle East
Club Med has announced the newest addition to its Exclusive Collection portfolio with the opening of Club Med Musandam, the first Club Med resort in the Middle East. Set to be unveiled in 2028, the development of Club Med Musandam marks a significant investment milestone, surpassing the $100 million mark. A ground-breaking development as a […]
Louis Vuitton champions travel in campaign featuring Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Louis Vuitton has relaunched its iconic Core Values Campaign with a new chapter that sees tennis champions Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Shot by industry legend Annie Leibovitz, the campaign features the tennis icons summiting a mountain together in the Dolomites of Italy with the tagline ‘There are Journeys that turn into Legends’. Together, they […]
Garuda and Singapore Airlines to offer reciprocal benefits to frequent flyers, plus explore revenue sharing arrangements
Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines will deepen their commercial partnership and offer reciprocal benefits to their frequent flyer program members, plus explore revenue sharing arrangements for flights between Indonesia and Singapore, subject to regulatory approvals. The frequent flyer program agreement was signed by Garuda Indonesia CEO Irfan Setiaputra and SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong in […]
WIN: Up your island game with Stuba’s latest wardrobe voucher competition for Aussie agents!
Can you imagine lying in this hammock in your brand new tropical outfit courtesy of Stuba, because we certainly can.
My Fiji announce an exclusive deal with new Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
My Fiji have announced an exclusive deal with the new Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, Fiji’s newest premium resort experience, offering exclusive packages for a limited time. Situated along the shores of Wailoaloa Beach, the resort offers 324 modern rooms, immersive amenities and world-renowned Fijian hospitality, Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort […]
Hamilton Island’s $30m family-friendly boutique hotel: ‘In the pool with the kids 30 minutes after landing’
While we all crave Qualia, we can't always leave the kids with the in-laws... shame.
Club Med’s Michelle Davies gives us the rundown on all-inclusive travel : Travel Weekly TV
Hint: at Club Med it's all 'thrown in', but Michelle does a far better job of explaining it, so we'll leave it to her.
Qantas and IndiGo pen new codeshare agreement for extra AU-India routes
Local curry house a bit too bland for you? Your journey to Masala heaven awaits.
Sydney Swans greats announced for Crown Princess cruise
Princess Cruises has partnered with the Sydney Swans to offer fans the first-ever AFL Member cruise aboard Crown Princess. This four-night voyage to Tasmania departs January 25, 2025 and guests will be able to immerse themselves in a once-in-a-lifetime Sydney Swans experience featuring special events and activities dedicated to fans. The cruise will feature Sydney […]
Most Aussies approve of sustainable travel, but the rest are over hearing about it, Booking.com report finds
Shout out to the 34% of you who are over hearing about sustainability... This article is for you!
Australia’s aviation sector COVID recovery complete, says ACCC’s Domestic Airline Competition report
Sick of the C-word? We promise not to utter it again - maybe. Even the ACCC says our recovery is complete.
Murray River Paddlesteamers offer 10 per cent commission for agents booking Australian Star sailings
The Mississippi it's not but the Murray River is promising a flash five-star cruise paddlesteamer.
Expedia’s chief technology officer and senior engineer sacked for company policy violation
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Apparently not as tech guru and top engineer get the chop post-conference.
Qantas and Virgin change tune on aviation ombudsman ahead of white paper release
Here on the news desk we're awaiting the arrival of the white paper like a new Taylor Swift album. You are too, right?
Gold Coast’s RACV Royal Pines Resort unveils 24m LED mega screen, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere
Too much screen time, or too much screen! At 24m long, this LED at RACV will be a challenge to read from left to right.
Wackadoo! Bluey’s World is set to open in Brisbane
Wackadoo! If this gets out, then the anklebiters will be booking flights themselves.
Listening to whales, followed by Ales and Prawn Tails on the Sunshine Coast
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is preparing to welcome more than 40,000 humpback whales that are making their way up the Australian east coast on their annual migration. The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s premier whale tourism destinations, built on its long-established whale watching cruises and Sunreef’s pioneering Swim with Whales experience, which celebrates its 10th […]
Webjet relaunches partnership with AirAsia with a huge Asia flights sale
Online travel agency Webjet has have relaunched their partnership with AirAsia with a huge Asia flights sale, available until 2 June. To give customers a greater breadth of choice and price point, hundreds of new flight options to Aussie favourite destinations have been added, including Bali, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok via AirAsia, AirAsiaX, Thai AirAsia […]
The Star addresses US takeover rumours in ASX update
Personally, we think the world would be far more interesting if ALL rumours had to be addressed in the ASX.
ATE 2024 kicks off in Melbourne welcoming over 2,600 delegates to MCEC
Very impressive turnout here! Although we imagine it's bad news if you're waiting in line for the dunny.
Vivid unveils one-of-a-kind light and sound journey on disused Sydney train lines
Curated by an artist who thanked Sydney drug dealers for helping him win an ARIA, this commute will be a bit different.
Compass Expeditions’ Burke & Wills Karumba-bound 16-day 4WD adventure
A man's not a camel! 4WD enthusiasts get to follow explorers' ill-fated path... with in-car coolers on full charge.
Luxury Lodges of Australia adds Bullo River Station outback experience to its collection
This experience is so luxury that even the wild kangaroos have been known to wear Louis Vuitton.
Virgin under fire for cruise ‘giveaway’ made near impossible
Considering it was Sir Richard Branson who awarded the prizes on Facetime, we think these guests deserve a call back!
Search continues for missing after cruise boat tragedy on the Danube claims two lives
River boat tragedy on the Danube Bend claims two lives after cruise ship collides with smaller vessel.
Africa’s Travel Indaba gives $40m boost to local economy
If you've only ever visited South Africa for the safari then now might be the right time to revisit!
Aussie joins first female-founded private jet and luxury solutions business
These women are flying high - making history as first female-founded private jet and lux business - in the Middle East!
James Hewlett announced as new marketing director at Albatross Tours
Hewlett's spreading his marketing wings with this new role at Albatross.
Why luxury clients are opting for immersive experiences over material items
The Luxury Travel Collection’s (LTC) inaugural business owners Soiree took place on Hayman Island last week. The event saw luxury leaders gathering to find out more about the key trends shaping the industry. The Immersion Day, held on Thursday 16 May 2024, followed the growing luxury client trend of valuing immersive experiences over material items. […]
Empowering underserved communities: Expedia Group’s drive for more inclusive travel
Expedia Group has used the EXPLORE conference at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas to highlight initiatives that empower underserved communities worldwide. In a groundbreaking move towards fostering diversity and inclusion within the travel industry, Expedia’s Global Social Impact and Sustainability Team is dedicated to shaping a travel landscape that is safe, welcoming, and accessible […]
P&O rescues Rotary volunteers after collapse of Air Vanuatu
P&O Cruises Australia has answered a plea for help from a group of young Australian Rotary volunteers, stranded in Vanuatu following the collapse of Air Vanuatu. The students, many of them teenagers from Albury, NSW, were volunteering for a youth project run by the Hive Rotary Club Australia when the airline abruptly cancelled all flights, […]
Intrepid continues expansions with launch of first DMC in Jordan
Intrepid has increased its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first destination management company in Jordan. Based in Amman, the local team will operate Intrepid’s range of nine experiential small group tours in Jordan from this summer, with a view to expanding the range for 2025 and beyond. Zina Bencheikh, managing […]
Minor hotels appoints Puneet Dhawan to key Asia role
Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report […]
Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal appoint Evon Ler to director of sales, Asia
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group have announced that Evon Ler will join them in the new role of director of sales, Asia. She will work closely with Tony Archbold (VP, Sales, APAC, Crystal) and Susan Haberle (VP, Sales & Partnerships, APAC, A&K) with trade support across the region. Ler comes to the A&K family with more […]
Government urges Aussies to ‘reconsider’ plans to visit Noumea as New Caledonia death toll hits five
The government has updated its advice for Aussies who may be considering New Caledonia during this time.