Qantas will push ahead with closing bases in Hobart, Mildura and Canberra, sparking fury from the Transport Workers Union over the impact on workers and regional communities.
The airline’s decision comes despite widespread opposition from affected staff, local communities and politicians across the spectrum.
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said the decision followed a review aimed at improving reliability.
“Consolidating our crew bases so we have more of our pilots and cabin crew flying out of our major airports will enable us to deliver a more reliable service for our customers,” she said.
“This will help us better respond to disruptions and improve reliability across our regional network.”
Qantas insists relocating the jobs will not impact flights into the three cities.
The airline has promised support including flights and accommodation for crew who commute to work.
“We know the decision will be disappointing to our pilots and cabin crew in these bases and we are putting in place a comprehensive package to support them continuing to maintain their family and life in their home city,” Yangoyan said.
But TWU National Assistant Secretary Emily McMillan said the closure would split families apart.
“These crew are now in a position of having to choose between family and career because Qantas continues to put exorbitant profits over people,” she said.
A union survey found 68% of affected pilots would need to consider other employment if the bases closed. One in five had already been hit by recent closures in Perth and Cairns.
TWU VIC/TAS Director of Organising Sam Lynch said Tasmania was being left behind.
“These changes mean fewer local jobs and the potential for standards to be lowered for Tasmanians,” he said.
The closure comes as Qantas reported near-record profits of $2.39 billion.
The airline was recently hit with a record $90 million penalty after the Federal Court found it illegally outsourced 1,800 ground workers.
Qantas will continue to employ more than 120 people at its Hobart Contact Centre and will shortly recruit an additional 13 staff.
