More than 50 workers to walk off job at Sydney Airport over pay disputes

Up to 100 cargo, domestic and international flights could be disrupted at Sydney Airport on Friday as more than 50 airport workers walk off the job, with threats action could “escalate”.

Sydney Airport refuellers will hold 12 hours of strikes over a pay dispute with transport fuels giant Ampol Aviation.

Ampol Aviation services 16 airlines including Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Delta and British Airways.

Refuellers have seen a 3.5 per cent pay rise over the past three years, according to the Transport Workers Union, however, the cost of living has risen by more than 15 per cent.

Workers are also demanding secure employment with 24 out of 68 employees holding full-time positions.

TWU NSW and Queensland state secretary Richard Olsen said workers have no choice but to strike.

“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,” he said.

“In an industry where profits are soaring, it’s unacceptable that those who keep it running are treated so poorly.”

The strikes will span multiple shifts on Friday, including the night shift (1am-5am), day shift (7am-11am), and the afternoon shift (6pm-10pm).

Speaking on Friday morning, Mr Olsen warned the union could “escalate” the strike action further if their demands were not met

“We certainly don’t rule that out,” he said.

“We’re hopeful we don’t have to use those (levers).”

The union boss said there would be an “impact” on travellers.

“How significant is yet to be determined,” he said.

He said Ampol might source other workers to minimise impacts and airlines could “double load” their planes, meaning their could fly in and out of Sydney without needing to refuel.

“They’ve got a couple of tricks up their sleeve,” he said.

The action follows the Fair Work Commission last week rejecting Ampol Aviation’s claim the TWU hadn’t bargained in good faith.

Long domestic routes, including flights to Perth and Darwin, are most likely to be affected by the action, as well as long-haul international flights and east coast flights to Melbourne and Brisbane.

A Sydney Airport spokesperson urged travellers to stay alert for messages from airlines on Friday.

“We are ready to support our airline partners in mitigating the impact on their operations,” the spokesperson said.

“Passengers who are travelling on Friday are encouraged to stay alert for messages from their airline regarding the status of their flight.”

A statement from Ampol Aviation expressed disappointment over the strike action.

“Ampol is disappointed that the Transport Workers’ Union has again made threats of industrial action. Ampol has offered a 25.6 per cent remuneration and other benefit uplift over the life of the agreement and continues to work with its employees and bargaining representatives on resolving the matter,” the statement read.

“Should any employees participate in the TWU’s proposed action, we have contingencies in place to minimise operational disruptions for customers.

“We will continue to negotiate in good faith to arrive at a mutually beneficial resolution.”