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A refuellers’ strike at Sydney Airport has been called off after crisis talks between the TWU and Ampol.
The six hours of industrial action, which had been slated for Wednesday, will not go ahead, with Ampol making refuellers a better offer after six months of negotiations. The good-faith talks are to continue Friday on “a number of outstanding items”, the union said.
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TWU NSW/QLD state secretary Richard Olsen said the industrial action, which was threatening widespread delays and cancellations across 16 airlines including Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Delta and British Airways, was “always a last resort”.
“It shouldn’t be so hard for workers to achieve pay increases above bare minimums and job security. This is a step in the right direction, but we will remain vigilant to ensure Ampol upholds their commitments,” he said.
“We must address the systemic issues within the aviation industry that prioritise profits over people. The establishment of a Safe and Secure Skies Commission is critical to safeguard the rights and welfare of aviation workers and ensure the industry’s long-term viability.”
“We call on all stakeholders to support initiatives which promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable aviation industry that benefits everyone.”
The action would have involved a two-hour work stoppage from 2am-4am, two back-to-back one-hour stoppages from 8:30am to 10:30am, and another two-hour stoppage from 6pm-8pm. 92 per cent of workers had voted unanimously in favour of the strikes.
In a statement, Ampol welcomed the union’s decision.
“Having reached an in-principle agreement with its workforce, Ampol will now undertake the formal agreement-making processes and have the new agreement approved by the Fair Work Commission,” a spokesperson said.
Workers’ demands have included comparable pay to Ampol’s competitors; guaranteed part-time hours and a preference for full-time roles; “genuine consultation and inclusion” with workers; and an improved dispute resolution process.
Olsen previously accused Ampol customers Qantas and Virgin of pressuring the fuel supplier into “keeping workers among the lowest paid”.
“Ampol workers are bravely voting to get rights to take protected industrial action because of their shocking treatment from the company, all because of contract pressures from larger airlines like Qantas,” he said.
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says:A very smart move by the refuellers, they may well have a legitimate reason for disputation, (in their opinion) but the current industry climate is dead set not tickety boo. I hope other industries follow your excellent example!