If you happen to land at Sydney Airport in the next few months, keep an eye out for the baggage handlers on the tarmac.
Could that worker in the hi-vis gear and red cap be the Qantas boss,
Alan Joyce, earning his massive salary by hauling bags off aircraft?
Qantas has been struggling to cope with baggage handling, flight
delays and cancellations but the CEO’s idea of sending his high-profile
executives downstairs to help unload planes has been received as poorly
as one of the airline’s announcements that yet another service has been
cancelled.
It was left to Qantas COO Colin Hughes to tell staff in an internal
memo they are seeking expressions of interest for a contingency
programme over a three-month period in which 100 senior managers will be
trained to handle luggage.
Executives opting for the role must be "physically capable of moving and lifting bags of up to 32kg in weight", Hughes said.
That, in itself, could make for an interesting exercise.
The Qantas union, which looks after transport workers, has been vocal
in condemning the move, claiming senior executives do not have the
experience to ensure safety on the ground.
Despite the criticism, the Qantas answer to combat staff shortages is
resonating across the travel sector. Just this week, Wyndham executives
donned chef’s aprons and prepared meals for guests at Wyndham Surfers
Paradise in Queensland.
Barry Robinson, president and managing director, international operations Wyndham Destinations (left), and Bruce Harkness, senior vice president, HR, brand communications and customer experience, get to work in the kitchen.
Barry Robinson, president and managing director, international
operations Wyndham Destinations, and Bruce Harkness, senior vice
president, HR, brand communications and customer experience, helped out
in the hotel’s kitchen.
“Following a quiet two years for the hospitality industry due to
lockdowns and other Covid-19 travel restrictions, we have unfortunately
seen many professionals walk away to try something new.
“The staff shortage is being compounded by people wanting to travel after years of staying put,” said Robinson.