Airport firefighters to strike over fears major airports including SYDNEY are at risk
Aviation firefighters at major Australian airports are going on strike over concerns that a lack of resources puts customers at risk.
The United Firefighters Union Australia (UFUA) claims to have leaked documents that show an “extreme risk” at 13 airports in Australia, and a high risk at 14 more.
The proposed strike is set to take place on the 15th of April – in the middle of the Easter holidays for schools – and is expected to impact 27 airports for 4 hours from 6 am.
Talks between the firefighters and the regulator – Airservices Australia – are reported to be ongoing ahead of the proposed strikes.
Airservices Australia has denied that there is a resource issue, saying that current levels of staffing are accurate.
Speaking to the ABC, the union’s aviation branch secretary, Wes Garrett, said the “primary concern” of the firefighters is “safety of air travellers that they have sworn to protect and the safety of their fellow crew members”.
“These leaked documents confirm that Australia’s air travellers face a dire risk every time they set foot on an aircraft in Australia, should an incident occur.”
“At 13 major airports across Australia, including Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, the leaked documents confirm that air travellers face extreme risk.”
Garrett claimed travelers at 14 other airports in Australia including Sydney, Canberra, and Hobart were at “high risk”.
He added that analysis had shown the numbers to be “well below what they ought to be”.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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