The United Firefighters Union aviation branch is planning a four-hour stoppage at airports on April 15, seeking safer staffing levels following concerns raised over personnel shortages in a risk assessment report.
Civil Air, the union for air traffic controllers, are also negotiating for better staffing and will lodge a protected ballot application with the FWC.
A number of air traffic controllers apparently retired early during the pandemic, exacerbating shortages. Efforts are also being made to recruit controllers through migration programs and local training. The United Firefighters Union Aviation branch represents firefighters working at airports all around Australia, including the Tullamarine Airport.
Following the announcement of industrial action, the employer has picked up the paces of negotiations.
Source: Workplace Express, 02 April, UFU website