Jewish community leaders are outraged by what they describe as “divisive political activism” from Qantas cabin crew on a domestic flight.
A furious Jewish community leader is calling for Qantas staff members to be sacked for wearing a pin of the Palestinian flag on a domestic flight.
A photo of a flight attendant began circulating on social media on Wednesday, with Qantas confirming that cabin crew members on a December 20 flight from Melbourne to Hobart wore the pin.
Speaking to Sky News, Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory said the incidents weren’t isolated and Qantas management should “address the divisive political activism coming from their staff”.
This comes amid escalating community tensions and large-scale protests between Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups following the Hamas attacks on October 7 last year.
“If employees are found to be using their roles for political activism while passengers are essentially captive in the air, they should be dismissed,” Mr Gregory said.
“These incidents aren’t isolated and Qantas management should address the divisive political activism coming from their staff.”
It’s understood Qantas staff will be given a refresher of the company’s uniform policy following the incidents.
Staff are not allowed to wear badges or pins with their uniform; however, they may wear a country’s flag on their uniform if they are able to speak that country’s national language.
“Cabin crew are not allowed to wear any badges unless they are part of the approved uniform, such as a name tag,” they said.
“Every customer should feel safe and respected when flying on a Qantas aircraft.”
Qantas staff are not allowed to wear pins and badges unless they are part of the approved uniform. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard
On social media, some users said calls for staff to be sacked went too far.
“People can’t wear their national Flag? What sort of country is this?” wrote one X user.
“If @Qantas succumbs to this dictatorial rubbish & sack staff for supporting Palestine, they might as well also refuse tickets to passengers who support #PalestinianFreedom cause we won’t be flying with them,” shared another.
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