The QANTAS Thread
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just received this from the union
5th March 2009
Attention all Long Haul Flight Attendants
MAJOR INDUSTRIAL UPDATE
Airline Industry Update
Last week I attended a briefing with the CEO Alan Joyce regarding the general position of Qantas in terms of the Aviation Industry. The Good news is that Qantas is one of only a handful of airlines that remain profitable in the current environment.
The decisions taken around business segmentation over the last few years have placed Qantas in a stronger position to withstand the global financial maelstrom than most of our competitors.
Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific are likely to post up to 2 billion dollar losses and British Airways have indicated losses of nearly 270 million pounds in the last quarter. These figures are in many ways incomprehensible. Yet Qantas remains competitive on the Domestic Market and the decisions made around the Long Haul Cabin Crew EBA 8 continue to position us well compared to other Cabin Crew groups.
Nonetheless we are in a constant discussion with Management to work through the challenges of softening demand for premium travel in particular, that is affecting all airlines worldwide.
In the last few days I have written a few newsletters with some levity but with underlying messages of how serious the situation is for all of us in terms of our desire to maintain job security.
747 Four Class Configured Aircraft
In the last 24 hours, system wide figures for advance bookings have been analysed and the decisions have been made to implement changes that will take cost out of the operation.
We have been in very detailed discussions with management over the last 24 hours and a decision was made by management to reduce the crew complement on the 4 class 747 by one.
Your OH&S representatives and FAAA procedures representatives have been working with the Service Development team to produce revised procedures and contingency briefings for crew and Onboard Managers.
The Service Development team following our discussions are also looking at initiatives around flexibilities in the service offering and potential changes that whilst still retaining the flavour of a premium airline, recognise the challenges of reduced crew.
There would be nobody including Cabin Crew Management more disappointed than myself about the need for this. But desperate times require appropriate measures and the overriding concern of the FAAA is the job security of our members.
Whilst this will be implemented from the beginning of the next roster, we are hopeful that when times improve we will be in a position to look a replacing the crewmember.
We do not expect this to be something achieved for quite some time, as I do not believe that we have yet seen the worst of the economic crisis.
Roster Publication Delay
As a result of an increasing surplus of crew, planned recruitment in London, Auckland and QCCA for June, has been put on hold indefinitely. Further some 50 crew, will have had LSL placed on their Lines after bids had closed. The Impact on rosters would have been devastating for those crew.
Following discussion with the FAAA arrangements have been put in place for these crew to bid around the assignment, and also re-enter their specific bids.
We thank the Company for doing this as it is a decent decision given it only affecting a small number of crew. As a result all rosters will not be published until mid next week.
Like everyone else, I like to get my roster as soon as possible, however by putting yourself in the position of the unfortunate 50 crew that have been subjected to a last minute leave burn, I hope that you will forgive us for delaying the roster build to allow them to have some roster control.
We are exploring a range of other options with the Company to increase flexibility, and build in further job security for our members. I ask for your patience and understanding as we explore and implement this and other necessary changes.
Crew can be totally reassured that your job security is our paramount concern and we are well placed given the flexibilities of the last EBA and our continuing meaningful dialogue with the Company to maintain it, as we move through very challenging times.
Written and authorised by Steven Reed – President International Division
Attention all Long Haul Flight Attendants
MAJOR INDUSTRIAL UPDATE
Airline Industry Update
Last week I attended a briefing with the CEO Alan Joyce regarding the general position of Qantas in terms of the Aviation Industry. The Good news is that Qantas is one of only a handful of airlines that remain profitable in the current environment.
The decisions taken around business segmentation over the last few years have placed Qantas in a stronger position to withstand the global financial maelstrom than most of our competitors.
Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific are likely to post up to 2 billion dollar losses and British Airways have indicated losses of nearly 270 million pounds in the last quarter. These figures are in many ways incomprehensible. Yet Qantas remains competitive on the Domestic Market and the decisions made around the Long Haul Cabin Crew EBA 8 continue to position us well compared to other Cabin Crew groups.
Nonetheless we are in a constant discussion with Management to work through the challenges of softening demand for premium travel in particular, that is affecting all airlines worldwide.
In the last few days I have written a few newsletters with some levity but with underlying messages of how serious the situation is for all of us in terms of our desire to maintain job security.
747 Four Class Configured Aircraft
In the last 24 hours, system wide figures for advance bookings have been analysed and the decisions have been made to implement changes that will take cost out of the operation.
We have been in very detailed discussions with management over the last 24 hours and a decision was made by management to reduce the crew complement on the 4 class 747 by one.
Your OH&S representatives and FAAA procedures representatives have been working with the Service Development team to produce revised procedures and contingency briefings for crew and Onboard Managers.
The Service Development team following our discussions are also looking at initiatives around flexibilities in the service offering and potential changes that whilst still retaining the flavour of a premium airline, recognise the challenges of reduced crew.
There would be nobody including Cabin Crew Management more disappointed than myself about the need for this. But desperate times require appropriate measures and the overriding concern of the FAAA is the job security of our members.
Whilst this will be implemented from the beginning of the next roster, we are hopeful that when times improve we will be in a position to look a replacing the crewmember.
We do not expect this to be something achieved for quite some time, as I do not believe that we have yet seen the worst of the economic crisis.
Roster Publication Delay
As a result of an increasing surplus of crew, planned recruitment in London, Auckland and QCCA for June, has been put on hold indefinitely. Further some 50 crew, will have had LSL placed on their Lines after bids had closed. The Impact on rosters would have been devastating for those crew.
Following discussion with the FAAA arrangements have been put in place for these crew to bid around the assignment, and also re-enter their specific bids.
We thank the Company for doing this as it is a decent decision given it only affecting a small number of crew. As a result all rosters will not be published until mid next week.
Like everyone else, I like to get my roster as soon as possible, however by putting yourself in the position of the unfortunate 50 crew that have been subjected to a last minute leave burn, I hope that you will forgive us for delaying the roster build to allow them to have some roster control.
We are exploring a range of other options with the Company to increase flexibility, and build in further job security for our members. I ask for your patience and understanding as we explore and implement this and other necessary changes.
Crew can be totally reassured that your job security is our paramount concern and we are well placed given the flexibilities of the last EBA and our continuing meaningful dialogue with the Company to maintain it, as we move through very challenging times.
Written and authorised by Steven Reed – President International Division
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Well that's very democratic of the FAAA --> delay 3000 crews' rosters so 50 senior crew can avoid going to Joberg cos of unexpected Long Service Leave being assigned. It would have been
if they could not bid the 5 day Honolulus around their leave 
I thought a union was supposed to represent the best interest of the majority? And as for 'flexibility' ---> the seniors obviously dont need to be flexible.
Oh and I see there will be no reduction in crew numbers on the A380 due to the 'economic crisis'.
The A380 flights must magically be immune to the 'crisis' as they have not reduced crew on it
Thanks FAAA --> I really feel like I am getting my money's worth
devastating
I thought a union was supposed to represent the best interest of the majority? And as for 'flexibility' ---> the seniors obviously dont need to be flexible.
Oh and I see there will be no reduction in crew numbers on the A380 due to the 'economic crisis'.
The A380 flights must magically be immune to the 'crisis' as they have not reduced crew on it
Thanks FAAA --> I really feel like I am getting my money's worth
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interesting points cart elevator
wonder what is gonna happen with that huge upper deck J class cabin on the A380
forward bookings in premium cabins are very low....
that upper deck will look like a ghost town
i guess they will have to come up with some fantastic deals and promos to attract the punters.....
forward bookings in premium cabins are very low....
that upper deck will look like a ghost town
i guess they will have to come up with some fantastic deals and promos to attract the punters.....
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Considering the majority of crew on A380 cost less than 747 crew I guess there's not as much urgency to reduce.
Don't worry Cart Elevator I'm sure when they run out of ideas to cut crew costs in QAL world they'll get to QCCA.
As for "moneys worth" we all pay the same rate to the FAAA, yet some of us earn a lot less, I guess that's fair too is it?
Don't worry Cart Elevator I'm sure when they run out of ideas to cut crew costs in QAL world they'll get to QCCA.
As for "moneys worth" we all pay the same rate to the FAAA, yet some of us earn a lot less, I guess that's fair too is it?
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Well that's very democratic of the FAAA --> delay 3000 crews' rosters so 50 senior crew can avoid going to Joberg cos of unexpected Long Service Leave being assigned. It would have been if they could not bid the 5 day Honolulus around their leave
I thought a union was supposed to represent the best interest of the majority? And as for 'flexibility' ---> the seniors obviously dont need to be flexible.
I thought a union was supposed to represent the best interest of the majority? And as for 'flexibility' ---> the seniors obviously dont need to be flexible.
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Thanks ! Cabin Crew Rock !
Couldn't find a thread related to being able to express thanks to cabin crew on flights, so thought I'd start this; and I'm sure if the mods know of one it will get merged.
Flying for the first time with Qantas (domestic) yesterday I was very impressed with the level of service, attention to detail, and patience during a 2h 45min flt from Perth to Adelaide. All smiles, no grumps, a great team on board (oh I'm SLF).
Again today return journey (packed flight due to Virgin falling over) Excellent service, good humour, lots of smiles (in the face of hard work and biting of tongues I am sure!)
An excellent team on QF 599 Adelaide to Perth tonight, and I would just like to say THANKS for such an enjoyable flt, proffessional approach, and all round excellent service, and I for one appreciate that the service is not just the food and beverages, but more importantly the safety of us all.
Flying for the first time with Qantas (domestic) yesterday I was very impressed with the level of service, attention to detail, and patience during a 2h 45min flt from Perth to Adelaide. All smiles, no grumps, a great team on board (oh I'm SLF).
Again today return journey (packed flight due to Virgin falling over) Excellent service, good humour, lots of smiles (in the face of hard work and biting of tongues I am sure!)
An excellent team on QF 599 Adelaide to Perth tonight, and I would just like to say THANKS for such an enjoyable flt, proffessional approach, and all round excellent service, and I for one appreciate that the service is not just the food and beverages, but more importantly the safety of us all.
please forward your thoughts at
Help - Contact Us - Other Qantas Contacts
Help - Contact Us - Other Qantas Contacts
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thumbs up
As for "moneys worth" we all pay the same rate to the FAAA, yet some of us earn a lot less, I guess that's fair too is it?
I hardly think a delay of 2 days is such a big deal, and certainly not without precedent. (remember the actual day rosters are to be issued is Monday, even though they usually come out earlier)
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Letter of Praise for Qantas FA
I recently flew on Qantas and wanted to write a letter of praise for the FAs.
Does anyone know the following:
1. Do the FAs actually receive a copy of letters of praise written on their behalf?
2. Are FAs rewarded in any way when passengers write such letters of praise?
Thanks.
Does anyone know the following:
1. Do the FAs actually receive a copy of letters of praise written on their behalf?
2. Are FAs rewarded in any way when passengers write such letters of praise?
Thanks.
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Yes we do receive a copy of the letter.
It comes with a letter from our manager acknowledging the passenger's letter and thanking us.
The "reward" is that the letter is placed on our file.
It comes with a letter from our manager acknowledging the passenger's letter and thanking us.
The "reward" is that the letter is placed on our file.
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Oh C'mon
1.Senior crew were the majority of the 50....where does it say that?
At 10 years you have 90 days of LSL accumulated.Most if not all senior crew have already been subject to leave burn
2.Union fees and disposable income.
According to that logic, a loaf of bread should be cheaper for those on a lesser income
At 10 years you have 90 days of LSL accumulated.Most if not all senior crew have already been subject to leave burn
2.Union fees and disposable income.
According to that logic, a loaf of bread should be cheaper for those on a lesser income
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DEFCON4 I see your point re:cost of fees. I never actually said that QCCA should have cheaper fees. It would be nice though considering the basic wage of QCCA is seen in the government's eyes as low income. I'm surpirsed that any of us joined the FAAA in the first place. My point was towards the "value for money" and being "fair" issue. I guess if my wages were twice what they are I would think I was getting value for money.
I'm sick of people alluding to QCCA as not being touched by the economic issues of the company. We are only here on these conditions because of the economic downturn. We are cheaper, we work longer hours, and this makes us economically viable.
I'm sick of people alluding to QCCA as not being touched by the economic issues of the company. We are only here on these conditions because of the economic downturn. We are cheaper, we work longer hours, and this makes us economically viable.
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Come on people.....
....lets not wage another QAL vs. QCCA vs. QD war again. We look like fools in the eyes of the rest of the world and I don't want our threads to be locked out and moved again. Lets try and be constructive and supportive....there's enough in the world already without adding to it.
in the world already without adding to it.
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Flitegirl
Many thanks flitegirl, I have left my comments with Qantas, and hopefully they will get passed on.
I was kinda hoping other slf might leave their thoughts here too for all airlines, but I guess each airline also has its own area for pax to express their gratitude, and most probably go direct there....
I was kinda hoping other slf might leave their thoughts here too for all airlines, but I guess each airline also has its own area for pax to express their gratitude, and most probably go direct there....
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Thanks
Thank you, twiggs, for the info. It's a shame that the FAs are not rewarded with more than the letter of appreciation being added to their files. At the very least, upon receiving a copy of the letter, I hope the FA's day will be brightened by knowing that her efforts above and beyond the call of duty were greatly appreciated.
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USA, if there is enough detail in the letter, and the manager receiving it feels so inclined, they can always nominate the crew member for an award under the QF employee program (Excel).
So if a crew member has done something specific that you think is worth a mention, include it in your letter. (E.g. crew member provide x assistance during a delay). Then the manager can use that letter as a nomination on your behalf. It has to be specific though, it can't just be 'I have had so-and-so on three of my flights and they have been lovely' kind of thing...
Not sure if it happens often that managers bother but I do know it has happened once or twice!
Hope this helps!
(I agree this thread is getting confusing!)
So if a crew member has done something specific that you think is worth a mention, include it in your letter. (E.g. crew member provide x assistance during a delay). Then the manager can use that letter as a nomination on your behalf. It has to be specific though, it can't just be 'I have had so-and-so on three of my flights and they have been lovely' kind of thing...
Not sure if it happens often that managers bother but I do know it has happened once or twice!
Hope this helps!
(I agree this thread is getting confusing!)
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Thanks, Little Red Hat
Thank you for the excellent advice. The international FA prepared a personalized, handwritten list of things for me to see and do in Sydney during my free time on a recent business trip. I was able to complete about half of the list, and it made my trip to Sydney very enjoyable. I am looking forward to returning to Sydney and completing the list!
I will be sure to include all of that detail in my letter of appreciation for the FA. I hope her manager nominates her for the award under the Qantas employee recognition program you mentioned. Is there anything else I could do to help? As a frequent business traveler, I greatly appreciate when someone like this thoughtful FA goes above and beyond the call of duty to make a long trip especially memorable.
I will be sure to include all of that detail in my letter of appreciation for the FA. I hope her manager nominates her for the award under the Qantas employee recognition program you mentioned. Is there anything else I could do to help? As a frequent business traveler, I greatly appreciate when someone like this thoughtful FA goes above and beyond the call of duty to make a long trip especially memorable.