Air traffic controllers vote ‘yes’ to industrial action for the first time in over 20 years
Air traffic controllers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, which could bring Australia’s air travel industry to a halt.
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Air traffic controllers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action for the first time in more than 20-years, paving the way for significant disruption of air travel.
A total of 825 out of 862 eligible voters had a say in the protection industrial action ballot, with 96 per cent voting yes.
It’s yet to be confirmed what form the industrial action will take, but the air traffic controllers’ union, Civil Air, must give Airservices Australia seven working days’ notice of any strikes.
Civil Air secretary Peter McGuane said members were unhappy with a new enterprise agreement offer which failed to address their concerns around staffing, culture and superannuation benefits.
He said they were remained hopeful industrial action would not be necessary, with a further meeting with Airservices scheduled for Friday.
“We’re certainly hopeful, and that’s how we’re approaching the meeting tomorrow,” said Mr McGuane.
Air traffic controllers voted on 28 different alternatives for industrial action, including two, four, eight, 12 and 24 hour stoppages, non-performance of overtime and a training ban.
All options were supported.
Any withdrawal of services by air traffic controllers would have a significant impact on airport operations, and cause widespread flight delays and cancellations.
An Airservices Australia spokesman said air traffic controllers had been offered an 11.2 per cent pay rise over three years worth a total of $78m, plus the retention of all current conditions.
He said Civil Air was seeking a 20 per cent increase over three years, but the union insisted most of its claims were related to staffing, culture and superannuation.
“Civil Air members have now voted in favour of a ballot seeking approval for a campaign of industrial action in support of a number of claims that would cost an additional $140m on top of our offer,” said the spokesman.
“As an industry-funded organisation, Airservices needs to balance any request to increase our operating costs with its potential impact on the industry and the travelling public.”
He confirmed the industrial action approved by union members “could disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Australians and international visitors”.
“Airservices has not yet received notification from Civil Air of intentions to take any protected industrial action, which requires a minimum of seven working days’ notice,” the spokesman said.
“Airservices will take all available steps to minimise disruptions to flights as a result of industrial action, and will work with airlines and airports to maintain safe operations.”
The vote in favour of industrial action came as Airservices prepared to farewell long-serving chief executive Jason Harfield after the federal cabinet blocked his reappointment.
The Airservices board had recommended Mr Harfield continue in the $950,000 a year job, but cabinet decided a change at the top was needed, after issues with staff shortages resulting in widespread flight delays, findings of a toxic workplace culture and industrial strife.
Airservices confirmed a global search had begun to find a replacement for Mr Harfield, who was due to depart on June 8.
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Originally published as Air traffic controllers vote ‘yes’ to industrial action for the first time in over 20 years
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