Qantas workers are being punished for poor business decisions made by the company, a union says.

The airline’s decision to axe 5000 full-time jobs is short-sighted, the Australian Services Union says.

“It’s outrageous that so many Qantas (and Jetstar) staff are going to bear the brunt of the poor business decisions made by Qantas in recent times,” ASU assistant national secretary Linda White said.

“The ASU will fight for each and every job.”

Qantas is also extending an executive wage freeze to all its employees.

“It’s punishing the workers for the poor business decisions made by (CEO) Alan Joyce,” Ms White said.

Victorian ASU secretary Ingrid Stitt says the union’s members are front-line customer service staff who earn modest wages and have always been prepared to adapt to make the airline more efficient.

“Qantas is putting their reputation and the satisfaction of Australian customers on the line with today’s announcement,” Ms Stitt said.