Aviation workers are set to protest at major airports as the Federal Court begins to hear a case which could result in split shifts for staff.

February 16, 2018

Aviation workers are set to protest at major airports around the nation over proposed changes to pay and working conditions which they say risk safety and security.

The industrial action is not expected to delay flights or hold up passengers as airport staff, including baggage handlers, caterers, cleaners and check-in staff, protest against changes to workers’ employment agreements.

The Federal Court will on Friday hear a case brought by airport services company Aerocare, which could result in a reinterpretation of clauses in the Airline Operations Ground Staff Award relating to split shifts and continuous hours of work.

Airport employees on split shifts can be forced to stay at work for 15 hours or more and be paid for as little as six hours, the Transport Workers Union said in a statement.

“The case will have implications for all aviation employees and workers in other industries, including nurses, aged care workers, electricians and shop workers,” the Transport Workers Union said.

The legal action, launched by Aerocare, follows claims in 2017 that some staff at Sydney Airport were forced to sleep in makeshift “camps” in baggage handling areas in between shifts.

Aerocare later said an investigation by the company, the Australian Border Force and officials from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth airports found the claims were without foundation.

The company provides passenger and airport on-the-ground services, including baggage handling and aircraft cleaning.

The protests will be held at the following airports and at local times:

* Sydney Airport – 12pm

* Melbourne Airport – 1pm

* Brisbane Airport – 10am

* Adelaide Airport – 10.30am