In the face of vocal union opposition, Qantas will press ahead with plans to establish a 400-strong London crew base on Monday by opening job offers to its 4000 Australian flight attendants. Despite the threats of industrial action by the Flight Attendants Association of Australia, Qantas said it had received positive feedback from its crews to the move.
"We've had a good level of interest in terms of people contacting in and saying, 'How can I apply'," said Michael Sharp, Qantas's head of communications. Qantas expects to save about $18 million a year from the move, given it will cut the cost of meal and hotel allowances and allow more flexibility with its crews.
In a bid to soften any potential opposition by British unions, Qantas confirmed it had already signed a memorandum of understanding with the 1.2 million-member union Amicus, which covers flight attendants. Under the offer, Qantas flight attendants moving to London will get a £12,220 ($31,750) base salary, an estimated £4000 in "sector pay", £580 in allowances and a £7250 annualised lump sum, taking the total to £24,422 ($63,500) a year. Crews will also get £600 in private medical insurance and an interest-free loan of £1500 to buy a annual London Tube pass.
The FAAA said the offer translated to a 20 to 31 per cent wage cut, given London crews would be be required to work longer hours - up to 240 hours for every eight-week roster, compared with about 180 hours for Australian crews.
http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/3...?from=storylhs