Bad news for AO cabin crew in Cairns?
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Bad news for AO cabin crew in Cairns?
Qantas ponders Cairns cuts
Scott Rochfort
April 20, 2007
QANTAS'S cost-cutting efforts are set to go into overdrive, with the national carrier assessing the possible retrenchment of up to 500 staff in Cairns.
Barely a week after offering 150 voluntary redundancies to its full-time flight attendants, Qantas confirmed yesterday that it is conducting a review of its international operations out of the resort city in Far North Queensland.
A Qantas spokeswoman, Belinda de Rome, confirmed that the airline's executive general manager, John Borghetti, had yesterday "met with various people to talk about the market and get a first-hand view of our business".
Mr Borghetti met the Mayor of Cairns, Kevin Byrne, and several business leaders and Qantas staff. His review of the airline's Cairns operations is expected to be complete before the airline cedes more international flights to its low-cost subsidiary, Jetstar, this year.
It is rumoured that Qantas staff could be offered redundancy or lower-paying jobs at Jetstar.
Speculation about planned job cuts has been fuelled by Jetstar advertising for international cabin crew in Cairns, before its launch in August of international services from there to Japan.
With Jetstar set to replace Qantas (Australian Airlines) services on two routes from Cairns to Japan by September, unions fear Australian Airlines staff could be encouraged to take up new, lower-paying jobs at the low-cost carrier.
Qantas's loss-making Australian Airlines subsidiary was killed off as a brand last July, when its fleet of Boeing 767s was repainted in Qantas colours and crews were re-outfitted in Qantas uniforms. But Australian Airlines technically still operates as an airline, with its jets and crews "wet-leased" to their full-service parent. Its 300 or so cabin crew are still paid Australian Airlines rates of pay.
Unions see the possible cuts in Cairns as part of a wider plan by Qantas to push more of its workers onto non-union Australian workplace agreements.
Some in the union movement also see a ploy by Qantas to weaken some unions; in this case the Flight Attendants Association of Australia's international arm, whose relations with Qantas management are far from harmonious.
In a media release this week, Qantas questioned the relevance of the union, saying Qantas cabin crew deserved "better than to have the Long Haul FAAA".
There is talk that Jetstar will try to hire some of the retrenched Australian Airlines crews, albeit on lower rates of pay.
Jetstar long-haul cabin crew work 15 per cent longer hours, earn 25 per cent less pay and get fewer holidays than Australian Airlines crew.
An ACTU senior industrial officer, Richard Watts, said the reports of possible job cuts would be hugely disappointing to many Australian Airlines staff.
"A lot of them are ex-Ansett people who have moved from Melbourne," he said. "They are now once again out of a job."
The Australian and International Pilots Association general manager, Peter Somerville, said the cuts would not affect pilots who could be deployed elsewhere in Australia.
A Jetstar spokesman, Simon Westaway, confirmed that the low-cost subsidiary had started advertising for staff six weeks ago and planned to establish a 73-strong cabin crew base in Cairns by August.
Mr Westaway declined to comment on whether Jetstar was planning to replace the one remaining Australian Airlines flight out of Cairns, which goes to Tokyo.
Jetstar already has 100 staff based in Cairns.
Scott Rochfort
April 20, 2007
QANTAS'S cost-cutting efforts are set to go into overdrive, with the national carrier assessing the possible retrenchment of up to 500 staff in Cairns.
Barely a week after offering 150 voluntary redundancies to its full-time flight attendants, Qantas confirmed yesterday that it is conducting a review of its international operations out of the resort city in Far North Queensland.
A Qantas spokeswoman, Belinda de Rome, confirmed that the airline's executive general manager, John Borghetti, had yesterday "met with various people to talk about the market and get a first-hand view of our business".
Mr Borghetti met the Mayor of Cairns, Kevin Byrne, and several business leaders and Qantas staff. His review of the airline's Cairns operations is expected to be complete before the airline cedes more international flights to its low-cost subsidiary, Jetstar, this year.
It is rumoured that Qantas staff could be offered redundancy or lower-paying jobs at Jetstar.
Speculation about planned job cuts has been fuelled by Jetstar advertising for international cabin crew in Cairns, before its launch in August of international services from there to Japan.
With Jetstar set to replace Qantas (Australian Airlines) services on two routes from Cairns to Japan by September, unions fear Australian Airlines staff could be encouraged to take up new, lower-paying jobs at the low-cost carrier.
Qantas's loss-making Australian Airlines subsidiary was killed off as a brand last July, when its fleet of Boeing 767s was repainted in Qantas colours and crews were re-outfitted in Qantas uniforms. But Australian Airlines technically still operates as an airline, with its jets and crews "wet-leased" to their full-service parent. Its 300 or so cabin crew are still paid Australian Airlines rates of pay.
Unions see the possible cuts in Cairns as part of a wider plan by Qantas to push more of its workers onto non-union Australian workplace agreements.
Some in the union movement also see a ploy by Qantas to weaken some unions; in this case the Flight Attendants Association of Australia's international arm, whose relations with Qantas management are far from harmonious.
In a media release this week, Qantas questioned the relevance of the union, saying Qantas cabin crew deserved "better than to have the Long Haul FAAA".
There is talk that Jetstar will try to hire some of the retrenched Australian Airlines crews, albeit on lower rates of pay.
Jetstar long-haul cabin crew work 15 per cent longer hours, earn 25 per cent less pay and get fewer holidays than Australian Airlines crew.
An ACTU senior industrial officer, Richard Watts, said the reports of possible job cuts would be hugely disappointing to many Australian Airlines staff.
"A lot of them are ex-Ansett people who have moved from Melbourne," he said. "They are now once again out of a job."
The Australian and International Pilots Association general manager, Peter Somerville, said the cuts would not affect pilots who could be deployed elsewhere in Australia.
A Jetstar spokesman, Simon Westaway, confirmed that the low-cost subsidiary had started advertising for staff six weeks ago and planned to establish a 73-strong cabin crew base in Cairns by August.
Mr Westaway declined to comment on whether Jetstar was planning to replace the one remaining Australian Airlines flight out of Cairns, which goes to Tokyo.
Jetstar already has 100 staff based in Cairns.
Planned Flying
Qantas/Australian Airlines has no planned international flying on the 767 ex-CNS after July next year.
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We have given EVERYTHING to this airline....
And for that, we are rewarded with a slap in the face.
I knew Qantas treated their staff with disrespect, but I never thought that they would go this far by considering the closure of the base.
Years of childhood dreams of a lifelong career with Qantas -ruined.
And for that, we are rewarded with a slap in the face.
I knew Qantas treated their staff with disrespect, but I never thought that they would go this far by considering the closure of the base.
Years of childhood dreams of a lifelong career with Qantas -ruined.
FAAA members have just received this....
---------------------------------------------------
20 April 2007
Attention all Australian Airlines Flight Attendants
PRESS SPECULATION REGARDING THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN AIRLINES
The Sydney Morning Herald today is reporting that Qantas is “conducting a review of its international operations in Cairns”.
The FAAA became aware yesterday that John Borghetti - Qantas Executive General Manager and other senior officials were in Cairns yesterday. The FAAA urgently contacted Qantas yesterday to ascertain if decisions or announcements about the AO Cairns base were imminent.
Qantas has responded to the FAAA in the following terms:-
1) Qantas is reviewing its AO operations in Cairns
2) No decisions have been made at this stage
3) Qantas is aware of the heightened concerns of crew about their future
4) Qantas will advise the FAAA before any decisions are made publicly
I wish to confirm to crew that it is our understanding that an imminent closure of the AO Base WILL NOT occur. However, Qantas has stated that it reserves its right to continue to examine the viability of the AO Base.
The FAAA is continuing to argue strongly for the continuation of the AO base and the protection of our members’ job security.
We will advise you of any developments.
Written and authorised by Michael Mijatov – Secretary International Division.
20 Ewan Street Mascot NSW 2020 Tel 61 2 8337 1111 Fax 61 2 8337 1122 Emergency Contact 0414 894 192
------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
20 April 2007
Attention all Australian Airlines Flight Attendants
PRESS SPECULATION REGARDING THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN AIRLINES
The Sydney Morning Herald today is reporting that Qantas is “conducting a review of its international operations in Cairns”.
The FAAA became aware yesterday that John Borghetti - Qantas Executive General Manager and other senior officials were in Cairns yesterday. The FAAA urgently contacted Qantas yesterday to ascertain if decisions or announcements about the AO Cairns base were imminent.
Qantas has responded to the FAAA in the following terms:-
1) Qantas is reviewing its AO operations in Cairns
2) No decisions have been made at this stage
3) Qantas is aware of the heightened concerns of crew about their future
4) Qantas will advise the FAAA before any decisions are made publicly
I wish to confirm to crew that it is our understanding that an imminent closure of the AO Base WILL NOT occur. However, Qantas has stated that it reserves its right to continue to examine the viability of the AO Base.
The FAAA is continuing to argue strongly for the continuation of the AO base and the protection of our members’ job security.
We will advise you of any developments.
Written and authorised by Michael Mijatov – Secretary International Division.
20 Ewan Street Mascot NSW 2020 Tel 61 2 8337 1111 Fax 61 2 8337 1122 Emergency Contact 0414 894 192
------------------------------------------------------------
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The '500' redundancies that has been talked about - would this number encompass other Qantas group employees in CNS, it seems that FA's and Techies are only getting a mention on this thread?
What are the numbers of Tech, Cabin, Maint, Tarmac, Admin employees up there?
What are the numbers of Tech, Cabin, Maint, Tarmac, Admin employees up there?
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please explain
How does this work?
An ACTU (union) senior industrial officer, Richard Watts, said
"A lot of them are ex-Ansett people who have moved from Melbourne... They are now once again out of a job."
FAAA: I wish to confirm to crew that it is our understanding that an imminent closure of the AO Base WILL NOT occur.
So one unionist says we have already lost our jobs, another says we have not.
An ACTU (union) senior industrial officer, Richard Watts, said
"A lot of them are ex-Ansett people who have moved from Melbourne... They are now once again out of a job."
FAAA: I wish to confirm to crew that it is our understanding that an imminent closure of the AO Base WILL NOT occur.
So one unionist says we have already lost our jobs, another says we have not.
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Leane7
the problem with that is that i reckon the company does not want us either.unless you want to apply to mam i reckon the company is trying to get rid of all permanent crew and sooner than we think.
I don't know if this has anything to do with the takeover but i wouldn't be surprised.
Hey I just came up with an idea why dont we crew start up a company like maurice has and supply crew to the airlines.there would be no shortage of crew and then we just share the profit.the papers reckon mam made 1.57 million last year
Do him out of a job like he is doing to us.
the problem with that is that i reckon the company does not want us either.unless you want to apply to mam i reckon the company is trying to get rid of all permanent crew and sooner than we think.
I don't know if this has anything to do with the takeover but i wouldn't be surprised.
Hey I just came up with an idea why dont we crew start up a company like maurice has and supply crew to the airlines.there would be no shortage of crew and then we just share the profit.the papers reckon mam made 1.57 million last year
Do him out of a job like he is doing to us.
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same old,same old
We all packed up in 2001 and headed West to the brave frontier, with promises of better flying and lifestyle.
We were given raps and raves by Management and Customers alike .....including the now extinct Kylie.
It was a really nice place to be -even management were "human" !!!
Then................WOMP !!!!!!
Just like you poor buggers in CNS.
You've all done a great job.
I really do feel sorry for you.....its so tough!!!
Not to mention the dollars that it costs to relocate or take a paycut to work for Pornstar.
Good Luck to one and all.
I really do believe in karma . In this case the Clowns that have stuffed this once great airline.
We were given raps and raves by Management and Customers alike .....including the now extinct Kylie.
It was a really nice place to be -even management were "human" !!!
Then................WOMP !!!!!!
Just like you poor buggers in CNS.
You've all done a great job.
I really do feel sorry for you.....its so tough!!!
Not to mention the dollars that it costs to relocate or take a paycut to work for Pornstar.
Good Luck to one and all.
I really do believe in karma . In this case the Clowns that have stuffed this once great airline.
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Set trust = zero. Qantas is constantly "reviewing" everything. Does anyone ask the staff for their input? Even if they did would they care or listen? Nope.
My take on the Cairns thing is they want to reduce the numbers, but not yet, they want to do it at a time of their own choosing, and you will screw up their plans if you decide to leave now.
There is no other reason for the phraseology of the Qantas release.
My take on the Cairns thing is they want to reduce the numbers, but not yet, they want to do it at a time of their own choosing, and you will screw up their plans if you decide to leave now.
There is no other reason for the phraseology of the Qantas release.
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yestam said they want to do it at a time of their own choosing
Yep thats right mate and it's called after the federal election.for labor to win they must win in queensland and i reckon the libs don't want any flies in the ointment in fnq
Yep thats right mate and it's called after the federal election.for labor to win they must win in queensland and i reckon the libs don't want any flies in the ointment in fnq
YesTAM you make a very good point. I agree, they will want to reduce the numbers (my personal guess is to ZERO before too long) but they need a full base in the short term because Scatstar don't start their LH operations in CNS until Aug/Sep. If big chunks of crew started to pack up now, there would be crewing shortages for the next 4-5 months.
It's working pretty well..... everyone is just hanging on.... hanging....hanging.....what will it be?.....just a little longer and we'll know....hang in there
phew, it's exhausting
It's working pretty well..... everyone is just hanging on.... hanging....hanging.....what will it be?.....just a little longer and we'll know....hang in there
phew, it's exhausting
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Cairns Post 21/4
Up to 200 Cairns workers face the sack as Qantas streamlines its Far Northern operations.
Qantas executive general manager John Borghetti yesterday told The Weekend Post something needed to be done to restructure the airline’s Cairns operations.
"There may be redundancies," he said.
"Will it be one, 100 or 200, I don’t know. I haven’t developed the plan yet."
Mr Borghetti denied early reports that 500 workers would lose their jobs.
"We are not sacking 500 people," he said.
"But we may need to shrink in order to grow."
Only last week Qantas announced it was seeking voluntary redundancies from 150 fulltime Qantas flight attendants.
Mr Borghetti, who met with Cairns civic and business leaders this week, said he could understand people would be nervous about the group’s plans but it was in the best interest of the city to look to the future.
"Part of the way forward for achieving growth could involve a restructuring of Cairns Australian Airlines operations," Mr Borghetti said.
"However, this will be done in consultation with all stakeholders, including Mayor Kevin Byrne, and with a view to ensuring a long-term commitment to Cairns.
"I gave the mayor a commitment yesterday (Thursday) that we would work with him and other business leaders he nominated to form a long-term plan for Qantas Group operations in Cairns."
While Australian Airlines stopped flying last June it still exists as a company and has been supplying B767 aircraft and crew to Qantas for the Nagoya and Osaka routes.
Those routes will soon be taken over by Jetstar.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chairman Stephen Olle, who was part of the group that met Mr Borghetti, said having a restructured airline was better than no airline at all.
While he understood "hard decisions" needed to be made he said he hoped any change in Qantas Group’s Cairns operations would not have a negative impact on tourism numbers.
"We would hope that Qantas and Jetstar continue to service Cairns with as many flights as possible," Mr Olle said.
"(But) with Australian Airlines taken out as a brand it was obvious the group would restructure at some stage.
"It is a difficult environment for them with market pressure to keep ticket prices down."
An industry insider said the Qantas-owned Caterair was one area where job cuts were likely.
"Caterair staff were told last week their jobs were on the line and redundancies were likely to be offered," the source said.
Qantas executive general manager John Borghetti yesterday told The Weekend Post something needed to be done to restructure the airline’s Cairns operations.
"There may be redundancies," he said.
"Will it be one, 100 or 200, I don’t know. I haven’t developed the plan yet."
Mr Borghetti denied early reports that 500 workers would lose their jobs.
"We are not sacking 500 people," he said.
"But we may need to shrink in order to grow."
Only last week Qantas announced it was seeking voluntary redundancies from 150 fulltime Qantas flight attendants.
Mr Borghetti, who met with Cairns civic and business leaders this week, said he could understand people would be nervous about the group’s plans but it was in the best interest of the city to look to the future.
"Part of the way forward for achieving growth could involve a restructuring of Cairns Australian Airlines operations," Mr Borghetti said.
"However, this will be done in consultation with all stakeholders, including Mayor Kevin Byrne, and with a view to ensuring a long-term commitment to Cairns.
"I gave the mayor a commitment yesterday (Thursday) that we would work with him and other business leaders he nominated to form a long-term plan for Qantas Group operations in Cairns."
While Australian Airlines stopped flying last June it still exists as a company and has been supplying B767 aircraft and crew to Qantas for the Nagoya and Osaka routes.
Those routes will soon be taken over by Jetstar.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chairman Stephen Olle, who was part of the group that met Mr Borghetti, said having a restructured airline was better than no airline at all.
While he understood "hard decisions" needed to be made he said he hoped any change in Qantas Group’s Cairns operations would not have a negative impact on tourism numbers.
"We would hope that Qantas and Jetstar continue to service Cairns with as many flights as possible," Mr Olle said.
"(But) with Australian Airlines taken out as a brand it was obvious the group would restructure at some stage.
"It is a difficult environment for them with market pressure to keep ticket prices down."
An industry insider said the Qantas-owned Caterair was one area where job cuts were likely.
"Caterair staff were told last week their jobs were on the line and redundancies were likely to be offered," the source said.
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What I find funny is that when articles are published in the papers the company says that the article in the paper is not true. However I don't recall any of the papers ever being incorrect with their arcticles. Everything we have seen in the papers HAS happened.
So I guess now we wait for the memo to say not to worry about the article and will see managers stick their heads into briefings and reassure everyone.
Yawn.
So I guess now we wait for the memo to say not to worry about the article and will see managers stick their heads into briefings and reassure everyone.
Yawn.
Last edited by RaverFlaver; 21st Apr 2007 at 02:14.