8 AUGUST 2024 - The AMWU has expressed disappointment at yesterday’s shock announcement of the closure of the QantasLink Tamworth Airport maintenance facility. This closure is likely to see the cutting of 41 permanent jobs and 10 contract roles.
This comes at a time of major upheavals in the airline industry, including the announcement of Rex Airlines entering voluntary administration, as the AMWU continues to support members through QantasLink shutdown processes.
There are still outstanding matters before the Fair Work Commission in relation to finalising the Enterprise Agreement for Eastern Australia Airlines, a Qantas subsidiary that operates in Tamworth under the QantasLink banner. The AMWU is working closely with all parties to achieve the best outcome in the Commission.
With the facility due to cease operation on September 12, we will be advocating for the impacted maintenance workers at each stage of the process: working with the company to ensure our members are given their statutory entitlements and are supported in pursuing further employment – whether in terms of the company facilitating their redeployment elsewhere in the Qantas network, or allowing them paid time to apply for external employment and attend job interviews.
Quotes attributable to Brad Pidgeon, AMWU NSW/ACT Acting State Secretary:
“We’re disappointed by yesterday’s announcement. This closure has an impact on our members and the local community as well, considering Eastern Australian Airlines has a history in Tamworth spanning 75 years.”
“We’re saddened by the broader trends we’re seeing within the Australian airline industry, but we want to assure our members at QantasLink and beyond that we are on their side. Our members are skilled, hard-working, and employable, and their work in keeping planes in the sky is critical to Australian society. We will do everything we can to ensure they aren’t left behind.”
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