TWU calls for a workers voice and the chairman’s resignation at Qantas

TWU calls for a workers voice and the chairman’s resignation at Qantas
Edited by Travel Weekly


    The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has repeated its call for Qantas chairman Richard Goyder to resign, arguing that it will clear the path for board renewal.

    Alongside Goyder’s resignation, the TWU has also called for a worker representative be added to ensure independent scrutiny and holistic decision-making.

    The union said Qantas governance requires a fresh start but Joyce and Goyder can’t run from accountability for illegal sackings, the judgment of an unprecedented prosecution from the safety regulator, ACCC allegations and a class action from angry customers.

    Goyder will face a senate inquiry where he will face questioning on bilateral air agreements and the national carrier’s role in this.

    The TWU has argued that Qantas is in breach of its own Code of Conduct and Ethics which states: “The key principle underpinning the Code is compliance with laws, regulations and ethical standards.”

    It continues: “Compliance with the law means observing the letter and spirit of the law as well as managing the business of the Qantas Group so that the group and its personnel are recognised as ‘good corporate citizens’ at all times …”

    The Qantas Board Charter also states: “the board is responsible for ensuring that Qantas management recognises Qantas’ legal and other obligations to all legitimate stakeholders” which are “groups… likely to sustain a social, environmental, economic or financial impact from Qantas’ actions. They include shareholders, customers, suppliers, employees, governments, regulators and members of the communities where Qantas operates…”

    TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said the union has called for Goyder to step down since the day Joyce resigned

    “But even in the wake of a unanimous High Court ruling on 1700 illegal sackings, the Chair has clung on until the bitter end,” he said.

    “Goyder has denied accountability and insisted he has support to remain in the role. That period of denial has come crashing down, leaving Goyder little choice but to face the music.

    “Goyder’s exit will provide the opportunity for a total reset, which must be seized upon. Goyder and the board blindly rubber-stamped the decisions made by Alan Joyce. Qantas governance requires a board that applies independent scrutiny of the CEO without that person being a fellow board member.

    “The Qantas board has refused to hear or take into account the experiences and needs of the workforce, to the serious detriment of jobs, conditions and service standards. This simply cannot continue if Qantas is to repair itself and rebuild community trust.”

    Read more about the senate inquiry here.

    Latest News

    • Aviation

    Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

    It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

    • Attractions

    SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

    AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

    • Cruise

    Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

    Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

    • Technology
    • Travel Agents

    Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

    Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]