Sydney Airport strike: Travellers urged to check alerts as refuellers walk off the job
Plane refuellers have initiated a major strike for 12 hours that is set to affect Australian travellers dramatically on Friday.
The strike is reported to be across multiple shifts, affecting 16 airlines and domestic and international flights as workers demand fair pay and secure employment from Ampol Aviation.
The airlines potentially affected as they engage services supplied by Ampor Aviaiation are Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Delta and British Airways.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Ampol Aviation plans to bring in additional staff who know how to refuel planes “to minimise operational disruptions for customers”, a Sydney Airport spokesperson said.
“Passengers who are travelling on Friday are encouraged to stay alert for messages from their airline regarding the status of their flight.”
More than 50 refuellers will proceed with industrial action to protest pay disparity and lack of full-time employment after six months of negotiations.
The work stoppages will occur between 1-5am, 7-11am and 6-10pm on Friday.
Longer domestic routes, such as those to Perth and Darwin, are likely to be most affected as well as long-haul international flights.
Flights from Sydney to Melbourne and Brisbane will also be impacted.
Passengers at Sydney International Airport. Image: Shutterstock
Sydney Airport said a contingency plan was in place to mitigate disruption but warned travellers to stay alert for possible flight changes.
