Dozens of Qantas flight and cabin crew jobs in Hobart are under review as the airline considers shutting its Tasmanian base.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has urged Qantas to rule out any closure, warning it would be a “significant economic loss” for the capital.
“Dozens of aircraft crew are currently based in the city, providing valuable jobs and a good lifestyle for the airline’s staff, saving Qantas enormous layover expenses and providing operational flexibility,” he said.
“For aircraft crew to relocate or in effect become FIFO workers would obviously be very difficult for them and their families.”
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan stressed no final decision had been made.
“This announcement is part of an ongoing review of our base structure, which is focused on improving reliability for customers and ensuring we can continue to grow our regional flying network into the future,” she said.
The airline says most flights now originate from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
“Having more team members based at our busiest ports would help us respond more quickly to disruptions and reduce delays and cancellations for our customers,” Yangoyan added.
The review comes after Qantas was recently fined $90 million for unlawfully sacking workers during the pandemic.
“Justice Lee was scathing of the behaviour of the company and its HR practices,” Wilkie said of the case.
He also pointed to Qantas’s “failed 2014 experiment” when it cut mainline services to Hobart.
“This saw a decline in quality and was eventually reversed to ensure some mainline services were restored,” Wilkie said.
“The bottom line is that generations of Tasmanians, including hundreds of Qantas staff, have given their loyalty to the flying kangaroo. They expect that to be reciprocated.”
Qantas will consult staff and unions before making a final call.
