| This week, members from across aviation converged on Sydney Airport to hold Swissport accountable for their anti-worker practices and abhorrent safety record. The Transport Workers’ Union took action against Swissport in airports across the country as part of the 2026 Our Roads, Our Skies, Our Future campaign to fight for minimum standards in aviation – which desperately needs a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to enforce them. |
Whilst the union is proud of its historic achievements in aviation this decade, including holding giants such as Qantas to account in the biggest penalty of its kind in Australian history (as well as a $121 million fund for workers), the race to the bottom began long before under the Alan Joyce regime, and has since spread in a callous race to the bottom which has lead to poorer standards for workers and passengers alike.
Swissport is a notable example of where this fragmentation leads. Qantas, through the deliberate splintering of its supply chain, developed and encouraged an ecosystem wherein contracts are spread amongst many multiple companies who compete on who can splinter standards the most. Through relentless effort, the TWU has began to reverse this spiral, through victories at employers such as dnata last year. Swissport however remains a recalcitrant actor.
The reasons for taking action against Swissport on the 24th were crystal clear, and stark. 73% of Swissport workers have been pressured to work unsafely. Almost 40% have been injured. These workers are understaffed, fatigued, and pressured to work even whilst injured. Enough is enough.
The TWU picks tough fights, but the union has proven time and time again that it sees them through. By standing together with members and the transport workforce, we will fight, and win, better industry standards.
Richard Olsen
TWU NSW Secretary
