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ABC Investigations now says about 200 current and former Flight Centre employees have contacted it with complaints about their experience in working for the travel retailer.

Flight Centre, on the brink of announcing its full-year financial results, has more on its plate than it expected.

Although the latest bout of political fever and backstabbing to hit Canberra has served to move the spotlight elsewhere, ABC Investigations says it has received a litany of fresh complaints about Flight Centre describing “bullying, pressure to consume alcohol, instances of drug use within stores, secret marking-up and a cult-like atmosphere”.

Flight Centre has already denied some of the claims. See:  Flight Centre denies raft of allegations aired by ABC

The debate has spilled over onto the ABC’s Facebook page, which has received numerous posts supporting Flight Centre, and some taking the opposite line.

“I work for flight centre and I can assure you that it’s one of the best workplaces I’ve ever had the pleasure in working,” wrote Russell McBride.

“I have met some of the most intelligent, supportive, down to earth people. We all work incredibly hard and we are rewarded as such. Flight centre is not an easy job regardless of which department you work in, but the culture, people and reward and recognition that I have seen being given to staff makes this a great place to work. Like any business, people join and realise that the company they have joined is not for them and vice versa. If, you don’t like where you work, you have the power to change that. I am a proud flightie now and for many years to come.”

James McHugh also posted on Facebook, calling the ABC allegations “Another example of poor journalism.

Flight Centre in Queen Street Brisbane

“Are the ABC that desperate for ratings they have to resort to a one sided barrage from disgruntled employees? Jeremy, how about interviewing both sides, and then I’m sure we can’t paint a true picture of Flight Centre. Not on the top 100 companies list to work for for nothing mate.”

Ex employees joined in as well.

“As an ex-employee of Flight Centre, I really had to comment and say that I’m absolutely appalled by the clear vendetta and poor journalism against a company that I hold in great regard,” posted Dave Brooks.

“I spent 2 wonderful years working at Flight Centre and can safely say that I never once heard of ANY of the accusations that have been brought forward by these ‘past and present employees’. And it’s great to see you’ve swept under the rug the outpour of disgust at your articles by other past and present employees. You’ve really sunk to a new low ABC.”

Taking the opposite tack, Jason Skinner posted: “I worked for Flight Centre for 3 years and can, without a doubt, confirm the accuracy about the ‘cult’ culture and the often disgusting treatment of staff. I have horror stories I’m more than happy to share if requested. It’s been going on for years!”

And so it goes on.

Written by Peter Needham