Rex workers have now been briefed by administrators on the sad news of 610 job losses across the Rex Airlines Pty Ltd (RAL) and Regional Express Holdings Limited (Rex) businesses.
The RAL business, which services 737 flights in capital cities, will cease to operate, with 360 jobs to be made redundant. The voluntary administration process for Rex, which operates regional routes, will continue, though 250 job losses have also been indicated.
A consultation process on job losses has commenced but will conclude today, at which point the total job losses will be confirmed.
The TWU has called on the Federal Government to look into an equity stake in Rex to maximise remaining jobs, protect worker entitlements and ensure a seat at the table to protect regional Australia. The union has also called for a long-term fix to the crisis in aviation through a stand-alone regulator, a Safe and Secure Skies Commission.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said:
"This is another dark day for aviation, with over 600 families faced with sudden joblessness in an industry that has taken hit after hit. We are working to secure job opportunities at other airlines and aviation companies for ground crew, cabin crew and pilots, and have had positive conversations with Virgin Australia and ground handler Dnata. Workers can sign up for updates at twuaus.com.au/RexSignUp
"Administrators have acted swiftly to provide clarity to workers, though it is not the news workers hoped for. The focus now must be on maximising jobs, protecting regional routes, securing redeployment opportunities to other aviation businesses and ensuring entitlements are paid as soon as possible.
"We are calling on the Federal Government to act with an equity stake in Rex, and a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to provide a voice to workers, passengers and the community for aviation."
