Brisbane Airport delays expected as workers strike over wages

Passengers attempting to fly in or out of Brisbane Airport could be hit by delays today, with dozens of key workers walking off the job in a protest over wages and conditions.

Passengers at Brisbane Airport could be hit by delays on Monday with about 30 workers walking off the job in protest of wages and conditions.

The action taken by the Electrical Trades Union and Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union members employed by Alstef Group will impact the movement of luggage across Brisbane’s domestic and international airports.

The ETU urged commuters to expect delays and plan ahead.

Around 30 members have rallied outside the Brisbane International Airport as they take action over wages and conditions for those employed by Alstef.

Workers, who are holding ETU and AMWU flags and signs, are expected to continue their action until 9am.

ETU deputy secretary Scott Reichman, who is leading the action in Brisbane, said he was unsure what was happening inside the airport terminals as far as delays but believed their cause had strong support.

Alstef Group is a global company, which specialises in baggage handling, air cargo handling, intralogistics and parcel handling automation.

“This small but important workforce including electricians and mechanical fitters are a vital cog which enables the smooth running of airline services, and they don’t take this action lightly,” ETU deputy secretary Scott Reichman said on Friday.

“They have been extremely disappointed with Alstef’s lack of respect for the work they perform, during this current bargaining round, the wages and conditions on offer are subpar and well below what members are seeking.”

It is believed most of the workers, who have walked off the job for 24 hours as part of the protest, are involved in the maintenance of the machinery used for luggage with the action not expected to create many delays for passengers.

Mr Reichman warned the action would be the start of rolling stoppages and disruption if there wasn’t significant movement from Alstef.

Workers at Brisbane’s international and domestic airports, who are employed by Alstef Group, are expected to walk off the job for 24 hours over wages and conditions. Picture: NewsWire/Sarah Marshall

“While Alstef continues to take a pig-headed approach to bargaining and while our members continue to see their real wages falling further and further behind, they believe they have no other option but to legally withdraw their labour, for as long as it takes,” he said.

Mr Reichman said the action was fighting for fair wages for the tradespeople who are employed at Alstef.

“Currently their base hourly rate is lower than that paid to apprentices in other employers including contractors at the airports,” he said.

“These tradies are highly skilled with post trade experience and being paid less than an apprentice in their own trade is unacceptable. We will start different forms of rolling industrial action indefinitely from Friday.”

An Alstef spokesperson said they were negotiating an enterprise bargaining agreement with unions to ensure their team at Brisbane Airport receives fair and appropriate pay.

“We value our team and approach wage discussions with a commitment to work with the union and our people, aiming for a practical outcome for everyone involved,” the spokesperson said.

Brisbane Airport public affairs boss Henry Tuttiett on Friday said: “Travellers should not be alarmed and continue to turn up at the airport at their normal time. Brisbane Airport has rostered dozens of additional people to assist with baggage in the event of any breakdowns, to ensure flights continue to operate.

“Brisbane Airport recognises the role unions play in advocating on behalf of its members in negotiations with their employer and we look forward to both parties reaching a fair outcome without major disruptions to the travelling public.”