Adelaide Airport firefighters postpone Easter strike that would have caused chaos

Airport firefighters have made their decision on threatened strike action at Easter, a move that will affect thousands of South Australian travellers.

Aviation firefighters who were threatening to walk off the job, potentially jeopardising travel plans for thousands of South Australians over the Easter long weekend, have voted to postpone industrial action.

The aviation fireys had threatened to walk off the job after accusing their employer, Airservices Australia, of refusing to act on staff shortages and fatigue.

Airport firefighters have postponed Easter strike action that would have caused chaos at Adelaide Airport. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

A decision to strike could have plunged Adelaide Airport into chaos, with Good Friday being one of the state’s busiest travel days of the year. But the union has voted to hold off on the industrial action.

DEVELOPING: South Australian holidaymakers will soon know if their Easter travel plans will be thrown into chaos. The latest in 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm. #7NEWSpic.twitter.com/J82VHkdPHX

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) March 18, 2024

United Firefighters Union branch secretary Wes Garrett said there had been a “resounding” response from members to try to improve their conditions.

“We’ve had over 800 members that have responded (to the ballot) and a response rate of 93,” he said on the Today show.

“And that sends a very strong message about the sentiment of our members and their concern over the situation that we have with air services at the moment and their provision of aviation rescue firefighter service.”

Mr Garrett said while there would not be any action during the chaotic Easter holidays, he wouldn’t rule out industrial action at other times.

“Even though yes, there won’t be any disruption or work stoppages over the Easter holidays, of course, anything after that period is still on the agenda,” Mr Garret said.

“Of course, what we hope is that air services will come to the table. We don’t want to.

“This isn’t our preferred course of action, but unfortunately, this is what’s required to bring air services to the table.

“We’re hoping that in the interim, and of course, we’ve at least got the Easter weekend to play with now that air services will come to the table and we’ll get some genuine movement on our negotiations.

“It’s entirely possible that any time after the Easter long weekend we will announce some actions.”

In December 2022, a planned stoppage was halted after the union reached an agreement with Airservices Australia to increase the number of aviation firefighters over time and prevent the shortages they are currently experiencing across Australia’s airports in the future.

On Tuesday morning Airservices Australia CEO Jason Harfield said they had “sufficient” aviation rescue firefighters to meet their operational requirements and that these requirements were monitored and regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

“This threatened action in pursuit of a 20 per cent pay rise has nothing to do with staffing levels,” Mr Harfield said.

“Claims for a 20 per cent pay rise over three years (...) would cost the aviation industry and their passengers an additional $128m.

“Airservices has offered our ARFF crews an 11.2 per cent pay rise over three years with no change in conditions.”

Mr Harfield said the aviation fire fighters had responded to more than 4000 calls for assistance last year and saved 15 lives.

“Airservices will work with the airlines and airports to maintain safe operations and minimise disruptions to flights,” he said.

Mr Harfield said Air Services Australia would continue to seek a resolution with the Union to deliver a fair outcome for firefighters and the travelling public. 

Originally published as Adelaide Airport firefighters postpone Easter strike that would have caused chaos