herald sun article - published on sat, may 24, 2008
JETSTAR ON VAPOUR TRAIL FOR STAFF
Jetstar is turning japanese ever so slightly.
Jetstar has hired 20 japanese flight attendants on controversial skilled visas to look after passengers on Japan routes.
The Herald Sun believes it is the first time an Australian carrier has imported cabin crew.
Jetstar spokesman Simon westaway said yesterday that the foreigners were needed, despite the airline $7000 bonuses to Australian staff who spoke fluent japanese.
" we operate 17 flights a week between Australia and Japan, but we didn't have the coverage with existing staff" he said.
" Its about searching for a skill set. We need japanese speakers on our japan services".
The japanese FA's came to Australia on training visas, but have now been approved to stay for up to 4 years under the so called 457 temporary skilled migration program.
wow: what a joke hey ?
they have a shortage of australian japanese language speakers ? i dont think so. and WOW a $ 7000 bonus. what difference does that make when u get paid peanuts for ur salary. $7000 + peanuts= living bellow the poverty line.
not sure if u guys know but new Jetstar FA's are now employed by a company called TEAM JETSTAR> they have Jet* domestic ( the initial company with an EBA ) , than they created Jet* international ( under an AWA ) and now "team Jet* " > which is their version of QCCA.
those guys can fly on any route at any giving time. domestic or international.
my mate that flies out of CNS domestic base had one of "those" new japanese crew on a BNE rtn. r u serious? thought they were needed for the japan routes. wonder if the union is keeping a close eye on that matter.
the so called 457 visa no longer applies to pilot shortage. scary really.