Qantas offers Harvey World Travel agents a better deal if they pull out of fuel levy class action
Harvey World Travel agents are reporting that they have received a letter from Stella Travel Services, the franchise owner of HWT asking for their views on Qantas’ unprecedented move, offering HWT an improved deal for HWT agents, on the condition that HWT removes itself from the fuel levy class action being taken against the carrier, estimated to be worth $80m.
HWT agents say that in the letter Stella outlines that the deal includes a range of improved benefits, including, increased marketing support and increased overrides, but that it is subject to Stella’s removing itself from the class action.
The letter goes on to say that the agents have a stark choice to make by either opting out and getting a better Qantas deal or staying in and risking potentially no future deals at all with Qantas.
Stella’s Keith Stanley said in the letter that as the consequences of the choice at hand will affect all agents and the decision would be based on the agents’ feedback.
He also told the Mole this morning that he felt that this was not a matter for the industry, but a matter for the Stella, Harvey World Travel and the franchisees.
He added that as he said in an interview with The Mole recently, he believed that his approach of a consultative partnership was the correct one and that is what he was doing in writing to HWT agents seeking their views, upon which the decision would be based.
With all IATA accredited agents included in the class action, unless they specifically opt out, Qantas is one of six airlines involved in the action by Slater & Gordon.
It is not known if other agencies have been approached by Qantas, with Mike Thompson of Travelscene American Express, also owned by Stella, unavailable for comment, although Lisa Jane Loch of Travelscene American Express’ PR agency Republic did say that she was not aware of Travelscene American Express having been approached.
Michael Reed CEO of JetsetTravelworld could not be contacted for comment and Damien Hanger, recently appointed PR Manager for JetsetTravelworld would not make any comment regarding whether JetsetTraveworld had been approached by Qantas or not.
Haydn Long, PR Manger at Flight Centre was also not able to comment.
Interesting days ahead!
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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