Planned strike by Sydney Airport workers avoided after union negotiate better deal for refuellers

Sydney Airport refuellers had planned to walk off the job for six hours on Wednesday, but last minute crisis talks saw them offered better pay and conditions.

Strike action at Sydney Airport has been avoided after workers were offered “significant improvements” to wages and job security.

More than 50 workers had planned to walk off the job on Wednesday after negotiations with Ampol broke down.

Flight delays and cancellations were expected to disrupt up to 16 domestic and international flights as workers organised six hours of strikes across multiple shifts throughout the day.

Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Delta and British Airways passengers would have been affected.

Six hours of planned strike action at Sydney Airport would have disrupted 16 domestic and international flights. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

But last-minute crisis talks between the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and Ampol resulted in a better offers to refuellers.

TWU members will meet with Ampol again on Friday to resolve a number of outstanding issues.

TWU NSW/QLD state secretary Richard Olsen said industrial action was always a last resort and with movement from the company on workers’ demands, averting disruption to the public was a positive outcome.

“It shouldn’t be so hard for workers to achieve pay increases above bare minimums and job security,” he said.

“This is a step in the right direction, but we will remain vigilant to ensure Ampol upholds their commitments.“

Last-minute crisis talks between the Transport Workers Union and Ampol resulted in better offers to refuellers. Picture: NewsWire

Mr Olsen said systemic issues within the aviation industry needed to be addressed in an industry that valued profits over people.

“The establishment of a Safe and Secure Skies Commission is critical to safeguard the rights and welfare of aviation workers and ensure the industry’s long-term viability,” he said.

“We call on all stakeholders to support initiatives which promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security.

“Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable aviation industry that benefits everyone.”