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.
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 – https://acapmag.com.au/2024/07/sydney-airports-ampol-refuellers-set-to-walk-off-job-for-six-hours-threatening-flight-schedules/
In a statement, Ampol welcomed the union’s decision.
Extracted in full from: https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/07/ampol-airport-refuellers-call-off-sydney-strike/
