Big win for Aussie travellers over Easter as aviation firefighters decide not to strike

People travelling during the Easter break can breathe a sigh of relief after confirmation of this decision by airport workers.

People travelling during the Easter break can heave a sigh of relief after aviation firefighters confirmed they would not hold strike action over the busy holiday period.

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.

Strike action would have thrust thousands of holidays into jeopardy. Picture NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

The move would have thrust thousands of holidays into jeopardy – but the union has voted to postpone the industrial action.

The result of the union’s vote was revealed on Monday evening and United Firefighters Union branch secretary Wes Garrett said there had been a “resounding” response from members on their ballots.

UFU aviation secretary Wes Garrett wouldn’t rule out industrial action down the track. Picture: Supplied

“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.

Travellers may have to put up with industrial action at other times. Picture NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

“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.”

However, Airservices Australia chief executive Jason Harfield refuted the claims from the union and said the threatened action in pursuit of a 20 per cent pay increase had “nothing to do with staffing levels”.

“We have sufficient Aviation Rescue Fire Fighters to meet our operational requirements, which are monitored and regulated by CASA as the aviation safety regulator,” he said.

Airservices Australia chief executive Jason Harfield has disputed the claims of the union. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

“From the outset of negotiations in October 2023, Airservices has offered our ARFF crews an 11.2 per cent pay rise over three years, with no change in conditions.

“However the UFUA is now seeking to disrupt Australians’ Easter holiday plans, including by instructing their members conduct a go-slow in not guaranteeing response times, or even delaying their response to emergency situations involving the travelling public beyond the three-minute maximum required by safety regulations.”

Mr Harfield said the demands of the union would cost the aviation industry and passengers an extra $128mn during the next three years.

“Our ARFF crews are highly-trained and dedicated professionals, who last financial year responded to more than 4,000 calls for assistance and saved 15 lives,” he said.

“It is therefore concerning that the UFUA would consider it appropriate to have their members potentially delay, or not act as quickly as possible, in responding to emergency situations.

“We will continue to seek a resolution with the UFUA to deliver a fair outcome for our ARFF crews that avoids disruption to industry stakeholders and the travelling public.”

Originally published as Big win for Aussie travellers over Easter as aviation firefighters decide not to strike