The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union has called on the federal government to act after Qantas' decision to cut at least 1000 jobs.
Qantas said on Thursday it would shed the jobs as it works to save $2 billion over the next three years, after announcing it expects to post a half-year loss of up to $300 million.
The airline is continuing to talk to the Abbott government about possible federal support for the airline.
AMWU assistant national secretary Glenn Thompson urged the Abbott government not to "sit on its hands".
"The Australian government should not be sitting on its hands while the national airline sheds jobs," he said in a statement.
"They need to act now to ensure Australia has strong viable national carrier."
He said the union was seeking "urgent consultation with Qantas over today's announcement".
"We would be concerned that this could mean cutting airline maintenance," he said.
"We are worried that Qantas may be looking to further outsource services, which would cut Australia's capacity to maintain aircraft."
