Senior Qantas executives are being asked to swap their high-profile positions to work as ground handlers as part of a plan to combat labor shortages.
The airline’s chief operating officer, Colin Hughes, told staff in an internal memo that Qantas is seeking expressions of interest for a contingency program over a three-month period.
“People responding to the EOI will be trained and brought into the ramp environment at Sydney and Melbourne airports,” Hughes wrote. “These individuals will support our groundhandling partners, who manage the Qantas operation, for a period of three months from mid-August.”
At least 100 handlers will be hired to sort and scan bags and transport luggage. Hughes added: “There is no expectation that you will opt for this role in addition to your full-time position.”
At least 1,600 baggage handlers were laid off during the lockout, with the service outsourced to contractors, a move the federal court has ruled illegal. Qantas has vowed to appeal the decision.
The once highly regarded airline has apologized after a litany of complaints from frustrated passengers who have suffered delayed and canceled flights, long queues at airports and lost luggage.
Qantas hopes to fix the problems by scheduling fewer flights next month and hiring more staff.
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The airline’s national and international chief executive, Andrew David, acknowledged that Qantas had struggled as it recovered from the Covid-19 lockdown period.
A spokesman said the airline is committed to improving its services: “It has been clear to us that our operational performance has not been meeting our customers’ expectations or the standards we expect of ourselves, and we have made every effort to to improve our performance.
“As we have done in the past during peak periods, around 200 head office staff have been assisting airports during peak travel periods since Easter.
“While we deal with the impacts of a record flu season and ongoing cases of COVID along with the tightest labor market in decades, we continue with this contingency planning for our airport operations over the next three months.”