Romulus on redundancy:
That's the core of it. People know it is coming, they just want to know what. It will never be an easy discussion, it will never be a happy discussion, there is likely to be a whole lot of emotion involved.
But above anything else people should be treated as adults and with respect. If they are to be made redundant then tell them so, give them their options and let them choose (assuming there are options for finish dates, alternative employment elsewhere etc) what they wish to do.
Given the scale of Qantas redundancies being talked about arrange common finish dates and give people the dignity of a farewell at the local pub. Again, that won't be a joyous gathering but it allows people to say goodbye to workmates and gives some form of genuine closure.
Whether that happens or not is a different matter, but the humanity of the people and the situation should never be overlooked.
Very well put, and the obvious delight of Qantas management in NOT doing it that way demonstrates their complete contempt for their workforce and is the core of my own contempt for the Board and Senior management.
I cannot overstate my contempt for these creatures who have been maximising fear uncertainty and doubt among their workforce since I have been on Pprune, starting at least as early as Margaret Jacksons use of the term "legacy airline" to describe the mainline. Folks, just remember that any time you hear the word "legacy" used as an adjective to describe people you are dealing with a proper bastard.