Up to 100 domestic and international cargo flights could be disrupted at Sydney Airport on Friday after more than 50 airport workers walked off the job.
Fuel workers at Sydney Airport are to strike for 12 hours over a pay dispute with transport fuel giant Ampol Aviation.
Ampol Aviation serves 16 airlines including Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Delta and British Airways.
According to the Transport Workers Union, fuelers have only seen a 3.5 percent pay increase over the past three years, yet the cost of living has risen by more than 15 percent.
Workers are also demanding secure employment, as only 24 of the 68 employees have full-time positions.
TWU NSW and Queensland state secretary Richard Olsen said workers had no choice but to strike.
“These workers are dedicated professionals who deserve better. Ampol’s refusal to meet their reasonable demands has left them with no choice but to take action,” he said.
“In an industry where profits are skyrocketing, it is unacceptable that those who keep it running are treated so poorly.”
Up to 100 domestic and international cargo flights could be disrupted at Sydney Airport on Friday after more than 50 airport workers walked off the job.
The strikes are scheduled to span several shifts on Friday, including the night shift (1 to 5 a.m.), the day shift (7 to 11 a.m.) and the evening shift (6 to 10 p.m.).
This follows the Fair Work Commission last week rejecting Ampol Aviation’s claim that the TWU had failed to bargain in good faith.
Long domestic routes, including flights to Perth and Darwin, are most likely to be affected by the measure, as well as long-haul international flights and east coast flights to Melbourne and Brisbane.
A Sydney Airport spokesman urged travellers to be vigilant for airline messages on Friday.
“We stand ready to support our airline partners in mitigating the impact on their operations,” the spokesperson said.
‘Passengers travelling on Friday are advised to monitor their airline’s messages regarding the status of their flight.’
A statement from Ampol Aviation expressed disappointment at the strike.
“Ampol is disappointed that the transport workers’ union has once again threatened to strike. Ampol has offered a 25.6 percent increase in pay and other benefits over the term of the agreement and continues to work with its employees and representatives in negotiations to resolve the matter,” the statement said.
‘If any employee participates in TWU’s proposed action, we have contingencies in place to minimize operational disruptions for customers.
“We will continue to negotiate in good faith to reach a mutually beneficial solution.”