Qantas slammed after asking staff to ‘volunteer’ over Christmas

Qantas has been slammed for asking employees to volunteer over Christmas.

Qantas has faced heavy criticism after the airline asked staff to volunteer at the airport during the Christmas period.

The airline is being accused of “wage theft” and “Grinch” behaviour.

In an email sent to staff, the Australian carrier said it requires “volunteers to assist at the self-service check-ins and auto bag drop area, bussing gates, concourse arrivals hall and at the transfer desk.”

The roles of the volunteers will depend on their preferences, skillset and security requirements.

The Australian Services Union (ASU) has described the carrier as a “disgrace.”

New South Wales secretary of the ASU, Natalie Lang said: “Qantas posted over $1.6bn in profit this year, it’s charging Christmas rates to passengers, and has the audacity to ask its lowest paid workers to work for free at Christmas. It’s a Grinch act of the highest order.”

Qantas denied that the program was aimed at cutting costs, saying in a statement that it was about “spreading a bit of Christmas cheer during a really busy period”.

“It’s unfortunate that the ASU is trying to turn this into a negative. It’s all hands on deck at this time of year and we’re really grateful that some head office staff are willing to lend a hand,” the airline said.