AIRBUST
This is standard Qantas procedure, they cannot retain the fixed term crew as this would require them to be converted to permanent. There is currently a "recruitment freeze" on (which doesnt effect the employment of MAM Casuals, Thai, NZ or UK Crew OF COURSE) and as we all know permanent employees cost far more then ditching the current fixed termers and starting over again. From memory it has been some years since Qantas has employed (or converted) people into permanent positions in long haul and in short haul the last crew employed into permanent positions was way back in March of 2003.
This is not fair, but thats Qantas. The only people that have any certainty of their future and careers are those crew based in Auckland, Bangkok and London.
You have to understand Qantas is a struggling company that needs to ensure it makes a $1billion profit this year, so that senior executives achieve their bonus' at your expense.
Just out of interest, this is from
www.faaa.net
1 March 2005
Attention All Victorian Long haul Flight Attendants
VIC BRANCH NEWS
Loss of Flying to Auckland Based Flight Attendants
The Victorian Branch is both appalled and disillusioned at the latest Company decision to remove 4 positions for Melbourne based Flight attendants from the LA trips. When advised of this action through the Planning and Scheduling Committee, we strenuously objected to this decision, highlighting the severe negative impact it would have on the base, in particular the escalation in reserve line rotation, the financial loss to members through the removal of tradition flying and the overall loss of stability in lifestyle.
We were told that these negatives would be negligible, as the situation would be managed through the directed leave program and base transfers. This is simply not the case. Given Melbourne was, on the Company's own admission one of the most profitable bases, providing above average customer satisfaction in all areas, it is difficult to comprehend the motivation behind this demoralising action, which at best will deliver minimal cost savings to Qantas. It would appear the reward for excellence is another backhand.
Whilst we are incensed at this decision, we are bound by legislative requirements and EBA Agreements, consequently there is little action we can take. In fact, Management, advised me at the last Planning and Scheduling Meeting that we did not own the flying and it would be allocated by the Company at their discretion.
Over the last 6 months we have seen several decisions which continue to marginalise the contribution of Melbourne Longhaul Flight Attendants, and we fail to see how these short term cost cutting exercises and flawed resource management can benefit the Company's Sustainable Futures program in the long term.
I urge ALL Flight Attendants to write to senior Mamgement from the CEO down, emphasising your individual concerns. We all want Qantas to be the most profitable and best Airline in the world, but to do this, you must make management realise that they must have incentives for employees, not regression.