LONDON – The Australian national flag carrier Qantas has hit out a recent statement by New South Wales state senator Tony Sheldon, who has been particularly critical of the airline’s wage and people culture in recent times.
Following a recent near unanimous decision by domestic flight crew attendants to initiate strike action over wages and conditions, Senator Sheldon made several observations in parliament:
In the face of criticisms levelled at the airline by Senator Sheldon, Qantas have issued a response, refuting several of the Senator’s claims.
Qantas’ rebuttal of what it characterises as “multiple erroneous claims” is laid out below. The facts presented are as set out by Qantas:
SHELDON CLAIM: Qantas is unreliable and has some of the worst on-time performance and lost baggage.
FACT: Government data shows that Qantas’ domestic on-time performance, cancellations, and mishandled baggage rates back at or close to pre-COVID levels. We were the most punctual airline in October, well ahead of our main rival who we have outperformed in eight of the past 12 months.
SHELDON CLAIM: Qantas is trying to cut the wages and conditions of short haul cabin crew by “20 to 40 per cent”.
FACT: This is simply not correct. Our proposal would mean short haul cabin crew wages would increase (not decrease) and their maximum hours of work each roster would not change.
The proposal includes three per cent annual pay rises, including back pay,...
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