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Issue No. 149 | 23 August 2002 |
Our Historical Mission
Interview: Something Smells Cole-Watch: Credibility Crisis Unions: Union Cities Industrial: Lib Men Gang Up Against Working Mums History: Eureka! East Timor: Don�t Rob Their Future Review: Black Chicks Say It All Poetry: Self Regulation
Cole to Hear of Criminal Takeover Conspiracy ANZ Fined Over Freedom Of Speech Breach Qantas Union's Gorilla Tactics Shearers Black Ban Their Hall Of Fame Democrats Fire Shot for Workers Teachers Walk Out At Aust College of Technology Airport Security Worker Spat At And Assaulted CBA Workers Say Enough Is Enough Doco Dishes Dirt On Howard�s Gas Wrangle
The Soapbox The Locker Room Postcard Week in Review Bosswatch
Susan's Soccer Outrage
Labor Council of NSW |
News Qantas Union's Gorilla Tactics
Geoff the Gorilla was introduced to the public at Melbourne Airport this week - much to the distress of Qantas managers and security personnel who did not know how to react to the sudden unexpected appearance of the inflatable ape. The gorilla reflects Qantas' new dominant status as the most profitable airline in the Asia Pacific region, and a giant on the world aviation stage. With Qantas' stock price rising 62% in the past year, massive expansion plans and record management bonuses, the aggresive gorilla symbol more appropriately reflects today's Qantas than the cute and cuddly Flying Kangaroo. Today's Geoff the Gorilla launch comes after Qantas announced: � a massive profit of $631 million (pre tax) for the year that included the largest shake outs in the international and domestic aviation industry's history;
� a doubling of it's planned aircraft purchase for it's new international business Australian Airlines;
� an equity raising program of $1 billion to fund the likely controlling stake in Air New Zealand, fund further aircraft purchases, new airport lounges and other expansion plans.
Whilst returning these massive profits and delivering huge bonuses to senior managers, Qantas continues to ignore the claims of it's largest union, the ASU, for funding of job security measures and a fair wage rise. With 80% market share, a near record profit, massive expansion plans, vastly reduced competition and loyal, dedicated staff (who accepted a wage freeze 12 months ago) you would think Qantas could afford a fair wage rise and job security for it's staff.
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