The former mayor of Bayside, Councillor Bill Saravinovski has written an open letter to Qantas chief executive, Alan Joyce calling for the airline to keep its corporate head office in Mascot.
"In our city we have a large number of your loyal employees who are currently under financial stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Cr Saravinovski says in his letter to Mr Joyce.
"The community is concerned about the possible domino effect should you relocate your head office from Mascot.
"I understand the difficult times we are all in and appeal to you and the board to remain at Mascot.
"Alan ,it would be a great early Christmas gift to the staff and the community to confirm that you will be staying in Mascot," he said.
The news that Qantas may relocate its headquarters from Mascot in Sydney was also this week described by Bayside Council mayor Joe Awada as a great loss to the community while Georges River mayor Kevin Greene said it would mean poorer job access for local workers.
More than 75 per cent of Sydney Airport workers live near the airport in regions such as St George and Sutherland Shire, a 2015 report by Deloitte Access Economics revealed.
This year, Qantas has stood down 20,000 staff or two-thirds of its workforce, Virgin Airlines went into voluntary administration and Tigerair suspended operation.
Last month, Qantas announced it planned to axe another 2,400 jobs by outsourcing its ground handling roles.
Qantas has also confirmed it will shop around for the best financial incentives from states to relocate.
Qantas group chief financial officer Vanessa Hudson said the airline is looking right across the organisation for efficiencies, including its $40 million annual spend on leased office space.
Comments on Facebook have showed support for local Qantas workers.
"Now the poor staff at Qantas have another thing to stress about." - D Berry.
"So sad. It is such an important employer for our locals." - Kat Mun.
"Time to re-nationalise the flag carrier airline!" - Colette Duff.
"Just relocate Joyce." - Nathan Mcdonald
