SYDNEY AIRPORT REFUELERS TO HOLD 12-HOUR STRIKE AS AMPOL AGAIN REJECTS FAIR PAY, JOB SECURITY

More than 50 Sydney Airport refuelers will be holding 12-hours of strikes across multiple shifts on Friday as Ampol Aviation continued to refuse workers’ demands around fair pay and secure employment.

These workers have continued to face challenges in securing fair treatment from Ampol following 6 months of good faith negotiations, despite significant contributions to the smooth operation of Sydney Airport and the petroleum company reporting profits upward of $1.7 billion.

Workers have notified Ampol about the following work stoppages on Friday, August 23:

• Night shift: 01:00 – 05:00
• Day shift: 07:00 – 11:00
• Afternoon shift: 18:00 – 22:00

The company’s unwillingness to meet workers’ reasonable demands, such as improvements to leave entitlements, more full-time positions and a fair wage increase after years of stagnation, places the burden on workers to take action in pursuit of a better deal.

Last week, the Fair Work Commission rejected Ampol’s attempt to claim that the TWU had not bargained in good faith. During the hearing, the company refused to address outstanding items to settle a fair agreement.

Ampol refuelers have seen only a 3.5 percent pay increase over the last three years, while the cost of living has risen more than 15 percent. Additionally, only 24 out of 68 employees hold full-time positions, making retention in this skilled and high-risk industry increasingly difficult.

TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary Richard Olsen said protected action was always a last resort, but workers have been forced to strike after the company continued to claim keeping refuelers among the lowest paid in aviation was crucial for maintaining contracts with airlines such as Qantas.

“These workers are dedicated professionals who deserve better. Ampol’s refusal to address their reasonable requests has left them with no choice but to take action. In an industry where profits are soaring, it’s unacceptable that those who keep it running are treated so poorly.”

“The aviation industry is facing a crisis driven by the relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of workers. We urgently need a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to establish fair standards and ensure that every role, from the baggage room to the cockpit, is valued and secure.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Adam Jacobson – 0405 625 208 / adam.jacobson@twunsw.org.au

NOTES:

• Ampol Aviation services 16 airlines including Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Delta and British Airways. Longer domestic routes, such as those to Perth and Darwin, are likely to be most affected, as well as long-haul international flights. East coast flights to Melbourne and Brisbane will also be impacted.