This just in from the FAAA SH
Attention all Qantas Group Flight Attendants
AUSTRALIAN AIRLINES – CNS BASE
Late yesterday, Qantas announced that the subsidiary Australian Airlines is to cease operations and that a Short Haul base is to be established in Cairns.
Qantas management contacted the Association yesterday advising of the announcement and offering discussions. As you will understand, until these discussions have taken place, we are not in a position to report on any specific arrangements for the start up for the new base.
While there are obvious questions that all members have, depending upon their airline, it is important to remember that the new base is not scheduled to commence until September 2007. Members can be assured all issues relating to the creation of a new base will be raised through the negotiations with Qantas. By way of example, the announcement included capacity for Australian Airlines crew to express an interest in other Short Haul bases. This will not impact on our existing base transfer arrangements that are already the subject of separate discussions. Once details have been discussed and agreed, members will be advised accordingly.
The decision to offer employment to Australian Airlines crew is welcomed and is consistent with Southern Airlines closure where all displaced flight attendants were offered options of employment.
In the meantime, all members should be pleased for Australian Airlines crew (also members of the FAAA and part of the Qantas subsidiary group) that there is now an opportunity for ongoing employment and they are not faced with compulsory redundancy.
Members will be kept informed as the matter progresses.
This newsletter was written and authorised by Jo Ann Davidson, Divisional Secretary and John Playford Manager Industrial Relations