Qantas pilots are calling for the airline’s chairman Richard Goyder to stand down, noting morale has never been lower.
The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) wrote to Qantas’ chief executive Vanessa Hudson informing her of the decision.
“Richard Goyder has overseen one of the most damaging periods in Qantas history, which has included the illegal sacking of 1700 workers, allegations of illegally marketing cancelled flights, and a terribly managed return to operations after Covid-19,” AIPA president Captain Tony Lucas said.
“The morale of Qantas pilots has never been lower. We have totally lost confidence in Goyder and his board.
“Qantas desperately needs a culture reset, but how can this happen with Richard Goyder as chairman?”
It’s the first demand of its kind and comes after what Mr Lucas called “one of the most damaging periods in Qantas’ history”.
“(It) included the illegal sacking of 1,700 workers, allegations of illegally marketing cancelled flights and a terribly managed return to operations after COVID-19,” Mr Lucas said.
Mr Lucas also noted Mr Goyder’s $100,000 pay rise “while staff are expected to accept a two-year wage freeze” was also being looked at by the AIPA.
“For our great national carrier to flourish, it needs leadership from a board that understands the value of its employees, respects its customers and can win back the trust of a nation,” Mr Lucas said.”