‘This is an airport issue’: Alan Joyce defends Qantas amid fresh wave of anger

Joyce has written to airport CEOs to raise the issue of staffing levels, pointing out that Sydney Airport held a jobs fair on Thursday in efforts to recruit 5,000 workers spanning security, baggage handling, hospitality, retail, and more.

A Sydney Airport spokesperson admitted to the “unfortunate” system outage, but also suggested that airline staffing issues – of shortages and inexperience – were contributing to delays.

“Over the long weekend all of our security screening lanes were open and fully staffed but there were challenges with staffing at airline check-in counters,” the spokesperson said.

“Our in-house baggage team are working closely with airline ground handling staff, many of whom are new to the airport, to ensure that contingency processes are well understood and the impact on passengers from any future outages is minimised.”

A Virgin spokesperson said airports and airlines around the world were experiencing huge demand. “We have not been immune to the challenges experienced globally and our team has worked around the clock to help our guests get to their destinations safely and with minimal disruptions over busy periods.”

Qantas dogged by 2000 staff sacking

Qantas is facing continued criticism from both frustrated members of the public and union chiefs over its controversial decision to terminate thousands of jobs during the pandemic, which included ground crew and baggage handlers. Some of these services have now been contracted to a third party, Swissport, which did not respond to requests for comment.

Transport Workers Union national secretary Michael Kaine accused the airline of launching an “all out assault on secure jobs” through the redundancies and outsourcing.

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“Qantas’ Joyce-led management team now expects the community to believe it bears no responsibility for the chaos at airports,” Kaine said.

“Instead, Qantas management have pointed the finger at passengers, airports, and now Swissport,” said Kaine.

The comments were echoed by Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) chief Sally McManus, who said airport problems were a result of Qantas’ “reckless” outsourcing and “pursuit of profit”.

“Workers have been sacked, had wages cut and been forced to do more with less. The results are predictable and Qantas management must be held accountable.”

Joyce on Friday told 2GB that ground handler staffing levels are now 15 per cent higher than during Easter.

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