Qantas need to guarantee Aussie jobs

Date: 03 December 2008

The Transport Workers Union has today called on Qantas management to announce an undertaking that the jobs and existing employment conditions of the 38,000 Australian working families in Qantas will be protected in any potential merger with British Airways.

TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon: "Qantas management need to come clean about their discussions with British Airways and announce an enforceable undertaking that existing Australian jobs and conditions will not be lost.

"We expect Qantas and the Federal Government to protect the jobs, pay rates, entitlements and working conditions of the entire workforce.

"The flying kangaroo is a national icon that has been made so strong by the hard work and dedication of the entire workforce.

"With the current global financial crisis and gloomy economic, the aviation industry is in a vulnerable position. Qantas have a responsibility to the Australian public to ensure that this national icon is not lost.

"We opposed the failed APA takeover of Qantas and have been proven correct by the subsequent financial collapse of one of the chief backers, Allco. The same amount of scrutiny needs to be placed on these new merger plans.

The TWU will be seeking urgent talks with Qantas and British Airways, as well as our sister union in the UK, the Transport & General Workers Union to discuss the protection of Australian jobs.

For further information

Contact:	Josh McIntosh
Union:	TWU
Contact Mobile:	0408 463 199
WWW:	http://www.twu.com.au/

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