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Qantas customer service staff are being asked to wear polo shirts thanking passengers for their continued business as the airline rolls out a new tranche of measures designed to repair the Flying Kangaroo’s battered image.
Frontline workers began donning the red shirts yesterday. The shirts feature the airline’s kangaroo emblem and the words “Saying Thank You” across the back.
While Qantas says wearing the shirts is optional, a union official has called the move an “insult” to workers who had no part in the airline’s decision to ground its fleet late last month as a result of a labour dispute with three of its unions.
Meanwhile, in what the airline also cast as a “thank you” rather than a “sorry,” Qantas has announced a raft of bonus frequent flyer points and other perks to thank its “most loyal customers” for their support during the industrial action.
The extra frequent flyer points will be awarded on eligible flights from November 16 until 23 December, the airline said. Platinum and Platinum One members will receive double the normal points, Gold members will 50 per cent extra and Silver and selected Bronze members will get a 25 per cent bonus.
Frequent flyers directly impacted by industrial action will be offered a “unique Qantas gift or experience,” the airline said. Depending on the member’s tier status, that could include complimentary membership to epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer – and online food and wine community; a Qantas First Lounge or Qantas Club invitation; a voucher for Qantas Valet or Qantas Drive, or a complimentary Q Bag Tag.
Qantas has already promised to give a free domestic flight to anyone stranded by the grounding.
