Flight Delays Expected as Ground Workers Strike at Key Australian Airports
Thousands of passengers may face flight delays and interruptions as more than 1,000 ground workers at Australia’s major airports—Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—go on strike over compensation and conditions. The strike follows a year-long impasse between the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and dnata, a major airport services contractor.
Strike Action Targets Key Airports
Ground handlers employed by dnata halted working for four hours on Friday during peak travel hours, coinciding with a busy holiday weekend and the beginning of the school year. The strike targeted important airports, with stoppages scheduled between 3 a.m. and 11 a.m. throughout states.
Despite Qantas’ backup arrangements, a Sydney Airport spokesman recommended passengers to keep tuned for developments from their carriers. While dnata serves 21 airlines, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Qantas’ international flights at Sydney Airport, the impact was very minor as of Friday morning.
Workers Want Better Pay and Conditions
The TWU stated that the strike was a final choice following nearly a year of delayed discussions. National Secretary Michael Kaine criticized dnata for providing inferior conditions, such as only 24 hours of guaranteed labor each week and insufficient overtime and penalty procedures.
“These workers deferred strike action over Christmas, hoping for a resolution,” according to Kaine. “But after months of unsuccessful negotiations, they’re left with no option. Without these efforts, our airports’ standards would continue to decline.”
The TWU stated that the disagreement highlights bigger industry difficulties resulting from years of outsourcing and cost-cutting by Qantas’ former CEO Alan Joyce.
Dispute over the Pay Rise Agreement
Last month, dnata and the TWU signed an in-principle deal that includes an 11% salary increase over two years, preventing a scheduled Christmas walkout. However, the union eventually withdrew from the agreement, arguing that it fell short of what was originally promised.
A Dnata representative expressed displeasure, claiming that the agreed-upon arrangement includes an immediate 8.5% salary increase for most employees and was negotiated in good faith. She deemed the union’s proposals for an 11% immediate wage increase and a 6% within six months “unrealistic and unsustainable.”
“Such demands jeopardize the viability of our operations and nearly 5,000 jobs,” she added, encouraging the TWU to return to the negotiating table to reach a fair settlement.
Minimal Impact on Flights So Far
As of Friday morning, Qantas reported no delays in its international flights at Sydney Airport. However, dnata’s limited operations in Brisbane caused slight delays for five foreign flights. The unloading of baggage on some planes was slower than normal.
Brisbane Airport spokespersons expected 75,000 passengers would come through on Friday, with most operations remaining unchanged. Sydney Airport expressed a similar stance, indicating that they were ready to assist airline partners in minimizing disruptions.
Call for Industry-Wide Reform
Michael Kaine stressed that the strike is part of a larger movement for fundamental reform in Australia’s aviation sector. He criticized airlines and companies such as Dnata and Swissport for putting profits above good labor conditions.
“More than 1,000 workers walking off the job shows something is seriously wrong in this sector,” said Mr. Miller. “We’re sorry for the disruptions, but this action is essential to secure better standards for workers and passengers alike.”
Future is uncertain as talks stall
With Dnata’s operations under strain and the union standing fast on its demands, the battle appears to be far from over. As discussions continue, travellers should watch for developments from their carriers.
The Dnata representative emphasized the company’s commitment to working directly with employees and airline partners to minimize any disruptions.
