“Qantas is more than just a company. It is also a national icon, one that many Australian’s feel a strong sense of affinity with and even ownership over” Ms Vamvakinou said.
“Given the airlines iconic status as Australia’s national airline carrier, it should come as no surprise that the proposed sale of Qantas to Airline Partners Australia has met with widespread concern.”
“Like many others, I believe that we need to protect what is one of this country’s great national assets, and not let it fall into the hands of foreign ownership.”
“As it stands, Qantas is an Australian publicly owned company. Its sale to Airline Partners Australia would see the airline become a privately owned company.”
“This is where many of the concerns regarding the sale of Qantas originate. Once privately owned, our ability to ensure that any future decisions taken by Qantas remain in the national interest becomes greatly diminished” Ms Vamvakinou said.
“Alongside its iconic status, Qantas currently employs some 37,000 people, with over 90% of its staff living and working in Australia.”
“Employees of Qantas have been particularly vocal in expressing their own concerns over the future of their jobs if the company is sold to a private consortium.”
“Many Qantas workers who live in my own electorate of Calwell have written to me detailing these concerns, which I share” Ms Vamvakinou said.
“Making sure that concrete guarantees exist to secure the jobs of current Qantas employees is particularly important, and this includes needing to make sure that Australia remains the main hub for the airlines maintenance operations.”
“There also needs to be additional guarantees that any sale will not affect the airlines Frequent Flyer Points program, or regional services, and that the airline will not be broken up.”
“Airline Partners Australia has provided assurances that Qantas’ regional services and frequent flyer points program will not be affected. It has not provided the same assurances in relation to the future job security of the current Qantas staff, making any sale of Qantas even more problematic.”
“Qantas has every right to take steps to maintain its competitive edge, especially in a climate that has been unkind to the aviation industry. But this cannot be done at the expense of its workers.”
“It really isn’t a matter of what is best for the company verses what is best for its workers. The interests of both parties go hand in hand.”
Maria Vamvakinou will be involved in meetings with Qantas union delegates this week, and Qantas Chief Executive Officer Geoff Dixon next week to discuss the proposed sale of Qantas, and will use the opportunity to raise the concerns of constituents who have written to her.
Contact Alex Kouttab 0417 541 465
