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Air traffic controllers are threatening to leave their jobs for the first time in more than two decades over claims they are understaffed and overworked.
Union Civil Air plans to lodge a protected industrial action application with the Fair Work Commission after Easter, setting the stage for the first strike since 2002 that could cause travel chaos during the school holidays.
Executive secretary Peter McGuane said too much was being asked of air traffic controllers and staff shortages were worsening with the introduction of additional projects.
McGuane said projects such as a digitized system to control traffic in and out of western Sydney were putting pressure on already overworked staff.
“They’re saying, ‘If you want these conditions you’re going to have to negotiate something else to finance it,'” he told Daily Telegraph.
‘We do not accept that position, and that is why it is our intention to explore the processes prior to Fair Work.
McGuane said the course of action was decided after 14 meetings with Airservices failed to address the needs of fed up traffic controllers.
“Airservices was clearly warned on multiple occasions about the burning anger and desperation that exists among employees due to the torrid workplace environment, and the desire to take further action if the claims were not met,” he said.
“They chose to ignore these warnings.”
Air traffic controllers have threatened to leave their jobs for the first time in 20 years (stock)
In a note to members, Civil Air explained that there had been 14 meetings with Airservices since November 2023.
“It is clear that despite 14 meetings, Airservices is not interested in considering our claims as serious points put forward by our members, and still believes they are ambitious,” he said.
An Airservices spokeswoman said negotiations were continuing and they still believed a new enterprise agreement could be reached without the need for industrial action.
He said Airservices was offering a $75 million pay increase to more than 900 air traffic controllers, which is equivalent to 11.2 percent over three years and is in line with the Public Service Commission’s recent pay decision. from Australia.
“Civil Air aims for a 20 percent increase in three years,” he said.
The spokesperson also said staff shortages were being addressed with 70 new air traffic controllers due to start work this year and plans to hire another 80.
If air traffic controllers walk away from their jobs, it will be the first such strike since 2002, the previous one being in 1977.
A recent Senate Estimate heard that the absence of just two air traffic controllers at Sydney Airport caused flight delays across the country (file image)
A recent Senate It is estimated that only two air traffic controllers are missing in Sydney It was enough to cause widespread flight delays.
There are 20 claims out of 28 still in dispute with employer Airservices Australia, including a demand to increase the 11 per cent superannuation contributions staff receive to the 15.4 per cent limit allowed by public service rules.
The impending strike could pose a double problem for airports, as aviation firefighters also prepare to strike.
Aviation firefighters will go on strike from April 5, which could disrupt flights during the school holidays.
They are also asking for a 20 per cent pay rise over three years, after rejecting Airservices’ offer of an 11.2 per cent increase.