Aviation firefighters strike will halt after landmark agreement with employers

Aviation firefighters have called off a proposed strike – which would have impacted Adelaide Airport flights – after coming to an agreement with their employer.

Aviation firefighters will halt a planned work stoppage on December 9 after reaching an agreement with their employer, AirservicesAustralia.

The union said the agreement with Airservices Australia will increase the number of aviation firefighters over time and prevent the shortages they are currently experiencing across Australia’s airports in the future.

The United Firefighters Union originally warned members would strike between 6.00am and 10.00am next Friday, which would have impacted international flights at Adelaide Airport as well as more than two dozen airports across the country.

“Critically, this agreement will eventually deliver aviation firefighter staffing in a manner that’s consistent with internationalaviation regulations,” United Firefighters Union aviation branch secretary Wes Garrett said.

“That means Australia’s air travellers will receive the same high standard of aviation firefighting protection that peoplein other developed countries receive.”

Passengers queue at Adelaide Airport ahead of holiday break. Picture Emma Brasier.

Mr Garrett said he was “pleased” to report that as a result of their proposed strike, the agreement was made.

Mr Garrett said that for the safety of Australia’s air travellers, it is critical that Airservices Australia acknowledge theaviation firefighter shortage remains and that air travellers’ safety is at risk.

“While the in-principle agreement reached today provides a long-term solution to preventing understaffing in the future, therisk to air travellers remains until Airservices recruits the 100 aviation firefighters it cut from the service in October 2021.” Mr Garrett said.

An Adelaide Airport spokesperson said they anticipated international flights would likely have been impacted.

“Around 1400 international passengers expected through Adelaide Airport on the morning of December 9,” the spokesperson said.

“We are working with our industry stakeholders including airlines on minimising disruptions.

“We recommend all passengers travelling on that day check with their airline for the latest updates on their flight.”

Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service firefighters stationed at Cairns Airport assisted local fire service to extinguish a fire in Carins. Picture: Jennifer Leighton

There were fears the strike could ground flights, particularly throughout the peak morning period.

Virgin Australia conceded some disruption may occur, but vowed to still get its planes in the air.

The strike would have coincided with end of term for some South Australian private schools.

UFU aviation branch national secretary Wes Garrett said the strike was about “public safety” and insisted industrial action was members’ only option.

He claimed about 100 more firefighters were needed, saying “every day the lives of air travellers across Australia were being put at risk” because of understaffed airport fire stations.

The UFU was also seeking a 15.5 per cent pay rise over three years for members, 4 per cent above what was on offer.

The union has been in a rift with Air Services Australia for a year over their working conditions.

Originally published as Aviation firefighters strike will halt after landmark agreement with employers