Strikes possible as dnata ground workers set to vote on action

In a press release, TWU national assistant secretary Emily McMillan attacked Qantas as well as dnata, saying the Flying Kangaroo’s illegal outsourcing of 1,700 ground handlers during COVID-19 “had knock-on effects across the aviation industry”.

“While Qantas claim to have turned over a new leaf in last week’s AGM, this is not the experience of workers across their supply chain. Where ground workers used to have careers for life, work is now insecure and low-paid, with minimal guaranteed hours and poor rostering arrangements,” McMillan said.

“Dnata ground workers also have no job security because of contracts constantly changing hands in aviation, as part of the Qantas-led approach that preferences the lowest bidder.

“These workers should not be forced again into taking strike action for decent pay and conditions that will allow them to stay in the industry. Dnata and their clients like Qantas should provide safe and secure jobs and should be working with their workforce to find a fair settlement and avoid unnecessary disruption.”

Ground handlers at dnata had previously threatened strike action in 2022, only to call it off after being given a 12.6 per cent pay rise.

McMillan reiterated the union’s call for a “Safe and Secure Skies Commission” to oversee the sector, and pointed to a poll commissioned by the TWU earlier this year showing 74 per cent of Australians surveyed would support an independent body to set standards for jobs and services in aviation.

VIEW ALL

“Aviation has become a revolving door as workers leave the industry for better-paid work with conditions that allow for proper work-life balance.”

“We need to see good, secure jobs once more in aviation and we can’t rely on privatised airports and airlines to deliver it.

“We need a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to ensure skilled, experienced workers stay in aviation and customers have decent standards.”

While the Flying Kangaroo is not dnata’s only Australian customer, the potential strike and associated disruption could prove a fresh headache for the airline, which has recently contended with strikes by its engineers at major airports and by Network Aviation’s WA pilots earlier this year.

The TWU also in August filed same-job same-pay applications for Jetstar labour-hire cabin crew working under Team Jetstar and Altara.

In a statement, dnata said the TWU rejected its “reasonable and balanced proposals for improvement to wages and conditions”.

“Our pay offer was designed to provide our valued employees with salary increases which ease the cost of living pressures and recognise their dedication and contributions to our company. Our proposal also aligns with prevailing market conditions, taking into account industry standards and comparable positions in the sector,” a spokesperson said.

“Our offer includes five per cent in salary increases in the first year, which is significantly higher than both the current Consumer Price Index (CPI, 2.8 per cent) and the average annualised wage index (AAWI) for enterprise agreements (four per cent – 4.1 per cent). Additionally, the company has offered a one per cent increase in benefits and further four per cent salary increase for the following year. Our offer also includes a one-time payment of AU$400 for all employees. 

“Throughout the negotiation process, we have made multiple efforts to engage in genuine discussions with the union. Unfortunately, despite our commitment to finding common ground, we have yet to reach a balanced and mutually agreeable outcome.

“We remain open to engage in further discussions and hope that the union will reconsider its approach in escalating the bargaining dispute which only serves to hurt dnata and its employees. We remain committed to reaching an agreement that meets the interests of all parties involved, while ensuring the continued success and sustainability of our organisation.”