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Aussies oppose shipping jobs to India
Apex Australian trade union warns companies of risking their long term viability by transferring jobs offshore.
Australia's Workers' union on Tuesday warned companies here of risking their long term viability by transferring jobs offshore in the wake of recent revelation by Qantas and St George Bank banks plans of shifting hundreds of jobs to India.
Australian Workers' Union, an apex body, national secretary Bill Shorten told a news channel that "The problem is that if you can't get someone to be the CEO of a bank, you pay them more money."
He said, "If you can't get someone to work as a teller in a bank, then they'll want to send the job overseas and added, "I actually think Australians are pretty hard working, and if you offer them a fair wage, you'll get someone to fill it. Aussies haven't changed."
Companies risked community standing by treating workers badly, Shorten said.
"Many of the CEOs in charge won't be here in five or 10 years' time when we see the consequences of their actions," he said.
"The truth of the matter is this: sooner or later what's going to count with companies is long-term value. Are they sustainable? The way you treat your people in the long-term is going to be more important both to shareholders and the community than a short-term profit grab.
On Monday, a media report quoted New South Wales opposition leader Peter Debnam saying ST George Bank's decision to move 80 jobs to India was a result of high state taxes.
A business daily had received a leaked email to the bank's staff outlining management's plans to shift 80 jobs offshore, with more to follow, it said.
Apart from this, Qantas also announced offshoring 300 jobs to India. Qantas chief information officer John Willett had said two Indian companies were shortlisted to take over the airline's IT development, maintenance and support services.
