2 weeks Ago By Neale Prior
New Qantas chair John Mullen has assured shareholders board and management are addressing issues that have damaged the airline’s reputation. While not going into detail of its legal and operational battles, Mr Mullen told the airline’s annual meeting in Hobart on Friday that it was committed to changes recommended in a governance review. He said the review, instigated by his predecessor Richard Goyder, had “been crucial to understanding how Qantas can improve and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past”.
“An important part of strengthening the foundations was understanding what went wrong,” he said. “As a board we are deeply committed to ensuring that Qantas resumes its place as again being seen as one of the truly great airlines of the world ..
. and that we rebuild trust and pride with our outstanding employees around the world.” Mr Mullen made the comments four days after the Federal Court published a judgment that could result in Qantas paying upwards of $100 million to ground crew unlawfully sacked four years ago when the carrier outsourced baggage handling and cleaning work under the cover of COVID-19.
Daniel Newell Neale Prior With Federal judge Michael Lee having been particularly scathing on Monday of Qantas’ approach to litigation, Mr Mullen joined Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson in promising to improve the way it deals with the claims being driven by the Transport Workers’ Union. Mr Mullen told shareholders the airline had sought the TWU co-operation to finalise compensation for the 1700 unlawfully sacked workers “as soon as possible so we can put it behind us — for them and the company”. The transport industry and boardroom veteran took over as chair from Mr Goyder in April, earlier than planned.
More to come..
