TWU RESPONSE TO JOYCE DEPARTURE

Quotes attributable to TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine:

“Alan Joyce’s departure is welcome news for workers. In fact, it’s the first good decision the Qantas board has made for a very long time. The question now should turn to whether the board should spill their positions following years of decimated jobs and standards, illegal outsourcing, and outrageous bonuses.

“Alan Joyce is slipping into retirement two months early with a $24 million pay packet, leaving one of the biggest messes in corporate Australia’s history in his wake.

“After finally receiving the public scrutiny he deserves for trashing one of Australia’s most cherished companies, Alan Joyce is exiting with a $10 million bonus, announced on Friday.

“This is a classic Joyce move: pretend to take responsibility while pocketing obscene amounts of money.

“He must be stripped of those bonuses immediately.

“Australians are rightfully furious with the Joyce regime which has seen three unprecedented court challenges from workers, a safety regulator and the consumer watchdog.

“On top of that, Joyce led 15 years of wage suppression, grounding of the fleet and illegal outsourcing. It’s little wonder Qantas is also facing a class action from customers.

“Qantas posted a record $2.5 billion profit after receiving $2.7 billion in taxpayer handouts, while obliterating its brand through unconscionable attacks on workers and treating customers like mugs.

“The new regime must embark on a total reset. Qantas needs to bring back good, secure jobs and quality standards.

“Joyce’s departure must draw a line under the ideology that has ruthlessly gone after staff and shown contempt for customers. We need a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to set appropriate standards for workers and the travelling public.”