Sydney Airport plane refuellers have called a 12-hour strike for tomorrow (Friday, 23 August 2024) across multiple shifts, affecting 16 airlines and domestic and international flights as workers demand fair pay and secure employment from Ampol Aviation.
More than 50 refuellers will proceed with industrial action to protest pay disparity and lack of full-time employment after six months of negotiations.
Ampol Aviation services 16 airlines, including Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Delta and British Airways.
The work stoppages will occur between 1-5am, 7-11am and 6-10pm on 23 August 2024.
Longer domestic routes, such as those to Perth and Darwin, are likely to be most affected as well as long-haul international flights.
Flights from Sydney to Melbourne and Brisbane will also be impacted.
Sydney Airport said a contingency plan was in place to mitigate disruption but warned travellers to stay alert for possible flight changes.
Ampol Aviation plans to bring in additional staff who know how to refuel planes “to minimise operational disruptions for customers”, a Sydney Airport spokesperson said.
“Passengers who are travelling on Friday are encouraged to stay alert for messages from their airline regarding the status of their flight.”
“No choice” says TWU
According to the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU), the action is a last resort with workers forced to strike after Ampol claimed lower pay was crucial to maintain airline contracts, such as Qantas.
This is despite the refuellers’ significant contributions to Sydney Airport operations and post-pandemic rebound and the petroleum company reporting profits of more than $1.7 billion.
TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary Richard Olsen said: “Ampol’s refusal to address their reasonable requests has left them with no choice but to take action. In an industry where profits are soaring, it’s unacceptable that those who keep it running are treated so poorly.”
“The aviation industry is facing a crisis driven by the relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of workers. We urgently need a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to establish fair standards and ensure that every role, from the baggage room to the cockpit, is valued and secure,” he said.
