Sydney Airport braces for strike chaos – and up to 100 flights could be impacted
Around 100 domestic, international and cargo flights at Sydney Airport could be disrupted on Friday as more than 50 airport workers are on strike.
Tankers at Sydney Airport are to strike for 12 hours over a pay dispute with transport fuel giant Ampol Aviation.
Ampol Aviation operates flights for 16 airlines including Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Delta and British Airways.
According to the Transport Workers Union, tanker wages have risen by just 3.5 percent in the past three years, while the cost of living has increased by more than 15 percent.
Employees are also demanding permanent employment, as only 24 of the 68 employees have full-time jobs.
TWU NSW and Queensland State Secretary Richard Olsen said workers have no choice but to strike.
“These employees are dedicated professionals who deserve better. Ampol’s refusal to address their reasonable requests has left them with no choice but to take action,” he said.
‘In a sector where profits are skyrocketing, it is unacceptable that those who keep the sector running are treated so badly.’
Up to 100 domestic, international and cargo flights at Sydney Airport could be disrupted on Friday as more than 50 airport workers are on strike.
The strikes will take place during several shifts on Friday, including the night shift (1am-5am), the day shift (7am-11am) and the afternoon shift (6pm-10pm).
This comes in response to the Fair Work Commission’s decision last week to reject Ampol Aviation’s claim that the TWU had not negotiated in good faith.
The measures are likely to mainly impact long domestic routes, such as flights to Perth and Darwin, but also long-haul international flights and east coast flights to Melbourne and Brisbane.
A Sydney Airport spokesperson urged travellers to remain alert to airline messages on Friday.
“We are ready to help our airline partners mitigate the impact on their operations,” the spokesperson said.
‘Passengers travelling on Friday are advised to remain alert to messages from their airline regarding the status of their flight.’
Ampol Aviation expressed its disappointment over the strike in a statement.
“Ampol is disappointed that the Transport Workers’ Union has again threatened to strike. Ampol has offered a 25.6 percent salary increase and other benefits over the term of the agreement and continues to work with its employees and bargaining representatives to resolve the issue,” the statement said.
‘Should any employees participate in TWU’s proposed action, we have taken contingency measures to minimize operational disruption to customers.
“We will continue to negotiate in good faith to reach a mutually beneficial solution.”