Flare-up in the skies: Aviation firefighters ignite talks of strike ahead of Easter holidays
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As the Easter holiday season approaches, the anticipation of travel fills the air, quite literally, as lots of eager travellers prepare to take to the skies.
Airports buzz with excitement, families reunite, and adventurers go on journeys to destinations far and wide.
Yet, amidst the festive cheer and bustling terminals, navigating air travel during this season presents its own set of challenges and delights.
For Australians planning to take to the skies this Easter, strike action by aviation firefighters could further complicate matters.
As the members of the United Firefighters Union of Australia Aviation Branch (UFUAV) took to voting on potential industrial action, the likelihood of significant disruption at airports across the nation loomed large.
The strike action, if approved by the union's members, couldn't have come at a worse time—the run-up to Easter on Thursday, 28 March, just before the Easter long weekend begins.
Particularly, the crunch could hit the ground on Good Friday, traditionally one of the busiest days for air travel in the country.
The strike is expected to entail a 'withdrawal of nationwide rescue and firefighting services for up to three hours and full work stoppages', according to the union.
At the heart of the disruption is the union’s mounting concerns over fatigue and short staffing.
The union alleged that Airservices Australia, which oversees aviation firefighting and rescue services at airports, has not adhered to minimum staffing requirements mandated by aviation safety laws.
Wes Garrett, Aviation Branch Secretary of the UFUA, goes so far as to assert that both domestic and international flights have been taking off and landing without the legally required number of firefighters and trucks ready.
'Not only is the situation a brazen breach of international aviation safety laws, but it also puts air travellers at significant risk. When aviation firefighters are understaffed, their capacity to rescue passengers from burning aircraft is significantly reduced,' warns Garrett.
Should the vote swing towards strike action, Airservices Australia will have to notify that fire and rescue services will be unavailable at the country's 27 largest airports.
The airlines will then have seven days to reschedule or cancel flights during these periods, according to Garrett.
Meanwhile, Airservices Australia maintained that they have sufficient aviation firefighters to meet operational requirements, and will work with airports and airlines to uphold safe operations.
It also highlighted that the firefighters are also seeking a 20 per cent pay rise as part of the enterprise agreement talks. This increase, it asserts, would add an extra cost of $128 million.
A spokesperson warned this added cost would find its way to travellers’ pockets.
'As an industry-funded organisation, any increase in Airservices' operating costs is ultimately passed on to passengers in the form of higher airfares,' they cautioned.
‘Airservices will take all available steps to minimise disruptions to flights as a result of industrial action, and will work with airlines and airports to maintain safe operations,’ they added.
This strike, if approved, may cause significant delays on your Easter travels.
However, if it’s any help, you can try flying with these airports that have the reputation of being the ‘most punctual and reliable’.
Has the threat of the Easter aviation firefighter strike altered your travel plans? Share your concerns and experiences in the comments below.
Airports buzz with excitement, families reunite, and adventurers go on journeys to destinations far and wide.
Yet, amidst the festive cheer and bustling terminals, navigating air travel during this season presents its own set of challenges and delights.
For Australians planning to take to the skies this Easter, strike action by aviation firefighters could further complicate matters.
As the members of the United Firefighters Union of Australia Aviation Branch (UFUAV) took to voting on potential industrial action, the likelihood of significant disruption at airports across the nation loomed large.
Aviation firefighters from UFUA Aviation Branch are voting on a potential strike action ahead of the Easter holiday period. Credits: Shutterstock
The strike action, if approved by the union's members, couldn't have come at a worse time—the run-up to Easter on Thursday, 28 March, just before the Easter long weekend begins.
Particularly, the crunch could hit the ground on Good Friday, traditionally one of the busiest days for air travel in the country.
The strike is expected to entail a 'withdrawal of nationwide rescue and firefighting services for up to three hours and full work stoppages', according to the union.
At the heart of the disruption is the union’s mounting concerns over fatigue and short staffing.
The union alleged that Airservices Australia, which oversees aviation firefighting and rescue services at airports, has not adhered to minimum staffing requirements mandated by aviation safety laws.
Wes Garrett, Aviation Branch Secretary of the UFUA, goes so far as to assert that both domestic and international flights have been taking off and landing without the legally required number of firefighters and trucks ready.
'Not only is the situation a brazen breach of international aviation safety laws, but it also puts air travellers at significant risk. When aviation firefighters are understaffed, their capacity to rescue passengers from burning aircraft is significantly reduced,' warns Garrett.
Should the vote swing towards strike action, Airservices Australia will have to notify that fire and rescue services will be unavailable at the country's 27 largest airports.
The airlines will then have seven days to reschedule or cancel flights during these periods, according to Garrett.
Meanwhile, Airservices Australia maintained that they have sufficient aviation firefighters to meet operational requirements, and will work with airports and airlines to uphold safe operations.
It also highlighted that the firefighters are also seeking a 20 per cent pay rise as part of the enterprise agreement talks. This increase, it asserts, would add an extra cost of $128 million.
A spokesperson warned this added cost would find its way to travellers’ pockets.
'As an industry-funded organisation, any increase in Airservices' operating costs is ultimately passed on to passengers in the form of higher airfares,' they cautioned.
‘Airservices will take all available steps to minimise disruptions to flights as a result of industrial action, and will work with airlines and airports to maintain safe operations,’ they added.
This strike, if approved, may cause significant delays on your Easter travels.
However, if it’s any help, you can try flying with these airports that have the reputation of being the ‘most punctual and reliable’.
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