A ceasefire between the Transport Workers Union and Ampol appears to have broken down, with aircraft refuelling staff at Sydney Airport planning a 12-hour strike this week.
The shutdown will take place from 1am to 5am, 7am to 11am and 6pm to 10pm on Friday, August 23, and may affect 16 airlines including Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Delta Air Lines and British Airways, with domestic long-haul flights and long-haul international flights most likely to be affected.
The strike action continues despite Ampol filling stations being refuelled at the end of July Cancellation of planned strike action After six months of negotiations, Ampol made a better offer to the fueler.
The fuel company attempted to claim the Transport Workers Union was not negotiating in good faith, but that argument was rejected by the Fair Work Commission last week.
“The company’s unwillingness to meet workers’ legitimate demands, such as improved leave benefits, more full-time positions, and fair wage increases after years of stagnation, has forced workers to take action for a better deal,” the union said in a statement.
“Ampol petrol station attendant wages have increased by just 3.5 per cent over the past three years, while the cost of living has risen by more than 15 per cent. In addition, only 24 of the 68 staff are full-time, making it increasingly difficult to retain staff in this highly skilled and risky industry.”
Transport Workers Union NSW/Queensland secretary Richard Olsen said striking was “always a last resort” but Ampol “has always claimed that having fuellers, the lowest paid group in the aviation industry, is essential to maintaining contracts with airlines such as Qantas”.
“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. In an industry where profits are soaring, it is unacceptable that those who keep it running are treated so poorly,” he said.
“The aviation industry is facing a crisis rooted in the relentless pursuit of profits at the expense of workers. We urgently need a Safe Skies Commission to set fair standards and ensure every job from the baggage room to the cockpit is valued and safe.”
Ampol expressed disappointment at the threatened industrial action and said it would “continue to negotiate in good faith to reach a mutually beneficial solution”.
A spokesman said: “Ampol has offered a 25.6 per cent increase in pay and other benefits over the life of the agreement and will continue to work with its employees and negotiators to resolve this matter.”
“Should any employees engage in the actions proposed by the Transport Workers Union, we have contingency plans in place to minimise operational disruption to our customers.”
