Union anger over Qantas job cuts

Date: 19 July 2008

The Australian Services Union has reacted strongly to Qantas' announcement that it plans to cut 1,500 jobs by December.

ASU Assistant National Secretary Linda White said the planned cuts demonstrated that Qantas management was "completely short-sighted in its response to increasing oil prices and economy."

"This is a significant shock to staff and we're angry about it," Ms White said.

"As this stage we donšt know what it all means, but cutting 1,500 by Christmas is not the answer to rising oil prices.

"At this stage we can't get a lot of sense out of Qantas management, but when we meet with them we will be telling them that this is unacceptable."

Ms White said the cuts were being announced "when Qantas was already running on empty".

"Stress levels amongst staff are high enough. Any drop in numbers will put more pressure on those who remain and it will increase their workloads.

"Cutting 20 per cent of your management and head office support staff is ridiculous to say the least. When you cut back jobs in this area, that's when big problems start."

Ms White said if the cutbacks go ahead, passengers could expect a drop in customer service.

"Someone has to ask Qantas how they expect to maintain the standards when they have sacked 1,300 workers since 2005 and are now wanting to reduce that workforce by 1,500 by Christmas.

"The cuts announcement today can only lead to a cut in the quality of service provided to its flying customers."

For further information

Contact:	Angela Bell
Union:	ASU
Contact Mobile:	0430 355 554
WWW:	http://www.asu.asn.au/airlines

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