Skyboy @ ib16uk,
This is not about slagging off the UK or being racist to UK nationals. Our argument is that the company WE work for has made record profits over the past couple of years, and its employees have recieved nothing in return. Qantas told us there was no money for a pay rise or bonus, they took crew off the plane and gave us a crap product to hand out.
On top of now making hundreds of millions of dollars we are now told they need to cut costs even more by opening a LHR base.
So, imagine how you would feel if:
You had been working for QF for a few years, enjoying the long haul trips and associated longe range flying pay etc.
You have a mortgage, kids, commitments that tie you to Australia.
You love the sun, surf and lifestlye of living in Australia.
Then all of a sudden you are told that an LHR base will be opened. The result of this is that you can no longer fly to London as therefore enjoy the long range flying and salary.
This will affect your ability to repay your mortgage due to lowering of wages.
You cannot just 'up and move' to the UK because of commitments in Australia.
Thats part of the reason why Australian based crew will fight this to the end.
Qantas have already mentioned an LA base being considered. If this were to open also we would have no long range flying at all. When I signed my employment contract it was for long haul flight attendant and the company has obligitions to ensure that contract is honoured.