The Transport Workers’ Union has slammed the almost $12 million pay packet of Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce, which some see as a reward for cutting nearly 5,000 full-time jobs.

The TWU is also unhappy about the over $23 million pay packets of the airline’s top management, which it says is an affront to Qantas employees.

Thousands of full-time jobs at Qantas have been lost and replaced by 9,000 part-time jobs according to Tony Sheldon, National Secretary Transport Workers’ Union.

“This salary and bonus announcement will be a bitter pill to swallow for employees on part-time jobs who cannot support their families. It is a slap in the face for families crippled by changes at the company,” Mr Sheldon said.

“Management are paying themselves millions while thousands of employees in the Qantas supply chain are on wage freezes and forced into part-time work. You can’t pay full time bills with part time pay.

“This is an industry where 21% of employees are earning below the poverty line. Qantas employees are paying for these outrageous salaries and bonuses. There is no justification for this level of greed.

The Qantas workforce is calling for an end to redundancies and provide job security at the airline.

Employees want to be trained to deliver proper services to customers.

Instead, the union claims, Qantas awards low cost contracts where employees are hired on low pay and conditions.

“Qantas needs to improve conditions for all workers at the airline instead of just remunerating its top executives,” Sheldon added.