Artificial intelligence is changing modern workplaces, but workers often carry the burden of these new technologies. In Australia, airline giant Qantas plans to cut around 850 corporate jobs and shift most of the work to India, partnering with consulting firm Accenture to modernize its computer systems.
The cuts will hit office departments, including finance, procurement, human resources, and marketing. Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson explained that the airline spends more than AU$1 billion each year on technology, but still runs on over 1,000 older computer systems built across several decades. Under the new multi-year deal, Accenture will take over back-end services, with plans to simplify corporate work and use AI automation over time.
The decision has drawn strong criticism from employee unions. Scott Cowen, assistant national secretary of the Australian Services Union, argued that workers who kept the airline running for years should not pay the price for technological change. Union leaders also warned that sending jobs overseas will hurt local families as living costs continue to rise.
Qantas says it will consult with staff and unions before the cuts begin in mid-2027, adding that it will try to redeploy affected employees into new positions where possible. Even so, the announcement highlights a growing debate about who truly benefits when large companies turn to automation.