Airport firefighters threaten strike which could cause Easter chaos

A union vote could lead to travel chaos over Easter, as aviation firefighters seek improved pay and staffing numbers.

Aviation firefighters are threatening to strike over the Easter long weekend. Picture: Supplied

Aviation firefighters are threatening industrial action which could have crippling effects on travel over Easter, as a dispute over pay and work conditions ­intensifies.

If union members vote to take action, work stoppages ranging from a few hours to entire shifts could begin as early as Thursday, March 28, leading to delays and cancellations during the long weekend.

“If aviation firefighters support industrial action and the United Firefighters Union chooses to proceed with stoppages, airlines will have seven days’ notice to reschedule or cancel flights during these periods,” Wes Garrett, UFU aviation branch secretary, said. “If airlines continue to operate during this time, they will do so in full knowledge of the risks to passengers and crews.”

The outcome of the vote is ­expected on Monday evening.

Mr Garrett said Airservices Australia was failing to employ enough firefighters, a claim which the organisation denied.

“Domestic and international flights are taking off and landing without the required number of aviation firefighters and trucks to protect that aircraft’s size and passenger capacity,” Mr Garrett said. “In some cases, flights are operating with no aviation firefighters on duty.”

A spokesman for Airservices Australia denied staffing levels posed a threat to safety.

“The Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulates Airservices’ provision of aviation rescue firefighting services for all international and domestic flights,” the spokesman said. “Currently, Airservices employs more than 830 aviation rescue firefighters, with an additional 48 expected to join the service in 2024 to cater for the continued growth of aviation in Australia.”

Union members claim the low number of aviation firefighters is a threat to public safety. Picture: Supplied

UFU aviation branch secretary Wes Garrett.

Airservices Australia and the UFU are currently engaged in enterprise agreement negotiations, with pay and staffing numbers top of the agenda.

“As part of negotiations which commenced in September, Airservices has offered a $32m pay rise comprising 11.2 per cent over three years in line with the Australian Public Service Commission’s recent pay decision, as well as the retention of all current conditions,” an Air­services Australia spokesman said. “The UFUAV is now planning to hold a ballot of members seeking approval for a campaign of industrial action in support of a number of claims that would cost an additional $128m, including a pay increase of 20 per cent. Any increase in Airservices’ operating costs is ultimately passed on to passengers in the form of higher airfares.”