Qantas asks executives to work as baggage handlers to combat labour shortages

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Qantas asks executives to work as baggage handlers to combat labour shortages | Secret Flying

Qantas asks executives to volunteer on the tarmac.

 

Senior executives at Qantas are being asked to trade their high-profile positions to work as baggage handlers as part of a plan to combat labour shortages.

 

Chief Operating Officer, Colin Hughes, is looking for at least 100 volunteers to work at Sydney and Melbourne airports, where staff shortages have caused chaos for passengers.

 

In a note to managers, Hughes said the re-deployments would be for up to five days per week for three months.

 

“People who respond to the EOI will be trained and rostered into the ramp environment at Sydney and Melbourne airports,” the note read.

 

Hughes added: “There is no expectation that you will opt into this role on top of your full-time position.”

 

Qantas confirmed the note was sent to senior executives.

 

CEO Alan Joyce earns $2 million a year, plus bonuses paid in shares. He has 669,000 shares, worth $3.7 million.

 

Andrew David, Qantas’ Domestic and International CEO, took home $1.4 million in base salary in the 2021 financial year.

 

CFO Vanessa Hudson earned $1.25 million in base, with Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth also earning $1.25 million.

 

A Qantas spokesperson told 9news.com.au: “We’ve been clear that our operational performance has not been meeting our customers’ expectations or the standards that we expect of ourselves – and that we’ve been pulling out all stops to improve our performance.

 

“As we have done in the past during busy periods, around 200 head office staff have helped at airports during peak travel periods since Easter.

 

“While we manage the impacts of a record flu season and ongoing COVID cases coupled with the tightest labour market in decades, we’re continuing that contingency planning across our airport operations for the next three months.”

 

At least 1,600 baggage handlers were let go during lockdown, with the service outsourced to contractors, a decision that the Australian federal court has ruled unlawful.

 

Qantas has vowed to appeal the decision.