Qantas is asking executives to volunteer as baggage handlers.Qantas Airways

senior management Qantas Airways As part of a plan to address the labor shortage, they have been asked to swap their high-profile positions to work as ground handlers.

Colin Hughes, chief operating officer of the troubled airline, told staff in an internal memo that Qantas had expressed interest in a three-month crisis management program.

“EOI responders will be trained and placed in ramp environments at Sydney and Melbourne airports,” Hughes wrote. “These people will support our ground handling partner, who has been managing Qantas operations for three months, starting in mid-August.”

At least 100 managers will be employed to sort and scan bags and transport packages. Hughes adds:

At least 1,600 luggage handlers were laid off during the lockdown, leaving services to contractors. A federal court ruled this decision illegal. Qantas has pledged to appeal the decision.

A once-acclaimed airline apologized Delayed or canceled flights, long queues at airports, and lost baggage.

Qantas hopes to address the issue by reducing flights and hiring more staff next month.

The airline’s domestic and international chief executive, Andrew David, has admitted that Qantas has been plagued with problems as it recovers from the Covid-19 lockdown period.

A spokeswoman said the airline was working to improve its service. improve our performance.

“About 200 head office staff have assisted at the airport during peak travel times since Easter, as they have done in past busy seasons.

“While we are managing the impact of a record flu season and ongoing COVID cases, combined with the tightest labor market in decades, we will continue to implement that contingency plan across our airport operations over the next three months. It continues.”