Companies risking viability: AWU

AUSTRALIAN companies risk their long-term viability by sending jobs offshore, Australian Workers' Union national secretary Bill Shorten said.

Mr Shorten's warning follows revelations that Qantas will allow an Indian company to take over its IT development, maintenance and support services.

A confidential e-mail published in newspapers yesterday  also indicated that St George Bank planned to shift as many jobs as possible offshore.

"The problem is that if you can't get someone to be the CEO of a bank, you pay them more money,'' he told the Nine Network today.

"If you can't get someone to work as a teller in a bank, then they'll want to send the job overseas.

"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, Mr 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.''