A new volunteer program for Qantas' head office workers to spread "a bit of Christmas cheer" at Sydney Airport appears to have had the opposite effect – but Qantas insists the program is not about cost cutting.

The airline is being accused of "wage theft" and "Grinch" behaviour after an email to staff asking them to volunteer time at the airport during its busiest period was leaked on Friday.

Qantas is trialling a new volunteer program that has workers seeing red. Credit:Peter Braig

"To support our airport teams at [Sydney International Terminal] over the 2018 peak Christmas travel period, we're trialling a new volunteer program for our Campus-based people who'd like to lend a hand to the frontline in December and January," the email states.

"We require volunteers to assist at the self-service check-ins and auto bag drop area, bussing gates, concourse arrivals hall and at the transfer desk. The roles allocated to volunteers will depend on their preferences, skillset and security requirements."