Passengers at Sydney Airport are being alerted to potential disruptions and delays as over 50 refuelling staff prepare to strike following unresolved wage and employment disagreements with Ampol.
The planned six-hour strike is scheduled for July 31, a consequence of unsuccessful negotiations with Ampol, who has declined proposals for more equitable pay, improved working hours, and increased full-time roles.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) will orchestrate the strike after 14 unsuccessful meetings with Ampol over the past six months aimed at reaching a fair agreement.
These meetings also encompassed emergency discussions following a unanimous decision by workers to undertake protected action.
The impending strike at Sydney airport could cause chaos The impending strike at Sydney airport could cause chaos © NewsWire The strike will result in:
Potential cancellations and delays could be extensive, as Ampol provides services to 16 domestic and international airlines, including Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Delta, and British Airways.
Richard Olsen, TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary, stated that industrial action was the only remaining option after Ampol’s failure to present workers with a fair deal.
“Should flights be delayed or cancelled due to industrial action, the responsibility rests entirely with Ampol’s management for letting their workers down,” Mr Olsen commented.
The looming strike at Sydney airport could lead to chaos The looming strike at Sydney airport could lead to chaos © NewsWire "These workers are committed but cannot tolerate further reductions in wages and conditions. With the surge in aviation demand, jobs are being undervalued due to airlines’ fixation on profits.
"Workers require improved part-time hours and more full-time roles for job security.
"Airport workers across the country are overworked and fatigued, grappling with low wages and unpredictable hours.
The aviation industry is in crisis due to the relentless pursuit of profits by privatised airports and companies like Qantas.
“There is an urgent need for a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to establish fair standards and ensure skilled workers are employed in every role, from the baggage room to the cockpit.”
A spokesperson for Ampol acknowledged the ongoing processes related to the enterprise bargaining agreement with its Sydney Airport refuellers team.
“Should any of Ampol’s employees participate in industrial action, we will respect their right to do so,” the spokesperson stated.
"Ampol would be disappointed by this outcome, given the 25.3 per cent remuneration and other benefit uplift over the life of the agreement that has been offered to date.
"We have contingencies in place that will ensure minimal operational disruptions for customers, should any employees participate in the industrial action organised by the TWU.
“We believe the appropriate way to conclude the ongoing negotiations is through discussions in good faith to arrive at a resolution that satisfies the needs of both Ampol and our workers.”
NewsWire reports that Qantas is aware of the proposed strike, with no changes to Qantas or Jetstar’s schedules.
No impact on the flights is expected, with the airline monitoring the situation closely.
Qantas is expected to collaborate with Ampol to ensure flights depart as scheduled.
TWU alleges that Ampol refuellers have only received a 3.5 per cent pay increase over the last three years.
The company also only provides 24 full-time positions out of 68 employees.
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