QATAR AND BAIN MUST RECOMMIT TO VIRGIN WORKERS’ CLAIM FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS: TWU

Virgin workers are calling on Bain and Qatar Airways to recommit to a five-point claim to put the best interests of workers and the community first, and ensure the long-term success of Virgin Australia.

The announcement for Qatar Airways to take a 25% stake in Virgin provides an opportunity for the airline to expand and take on the aggressive competition of Qantas.

Workers want commitments to address their reservations about Qatar Airways’ influence over their jobs and working conditions. The commitments include:

1. Respect for workers and passengers – commit to a culture of listening, acting on workers’ concerns and equal treatment for all, free from discrimination.
2. Good, secure jobs – with a commitment to insourcing more ground handling positions and Australian crew given first preference on international routes.
3. Ongoing investment – in people, fleet and technology to maintain and improve standards and ensure long-term success.
4. An employee share scheme – annual $1,000 share scheme for employees in the event of an IPO or further sale of the business.
5. Support for industry reform – join workers’ calls for a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to set enforceable standards for the aviation industry.

Last year, Virgin cabin crew, ground crew and pilots served the five-point claim on Virgin owners Bain Capital, which has been expanded to address concerns related to Qatar Airways’ history.

Since the claim was served on Bain, all three workgroups have settled enterprise agreements with significant pay increases, work-life balance provisions and more full-time jobs.

In December, Virgin Australia also announced its commitment to insource more ground handling jobs.

TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said:

“It’s crucial that the workers who made sacrifices to get Virgin Australia flying again are those to benefit from the opportunities this deal provides in an industry dominated by aggressive competition.

“After a few tumultuous years, Virgin ground crew, cabin crew and pilots have worked hard to rebuild and repair the culture and working conditions at the airline. There must be every effort made to maintain and improve upon this relationship, starting with a public commitment to the sensible five-point plan workers have put forward.

“There are understandable doubts about this deal, particularly for cabin crew. A commitment to respect is expected and necessary given Qatar Airways’ track record.

“Beyond these commitments, workers, passengers and the community need the assurance of enforceable standards in the aviation industry. We need independent oversight and regulation through a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to ensure good, secure jobs and quality service standards.”

The TWU will work with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to lead consultation with Qatar Airways on the ongoing treatment of workers.