On Monday (July 15), massive queues at Sydney Airport stretched on and on, even reaching outside into the parking lot and snaking back into the building again. Flight tracking and data platform FlightAware revealed the airport to be one of the worst in the world for flight delays and cancellations, and the situation does not look to be getting better anytime soon, as baggage handlers threaten to strike.
Ground staff have applied to the Fair Work Commission to vote on strike action, which could further affect operations at airports in Melbourne and Brisbane. The workers are concerned about wages and working conditions.
The crew handle operations for up to 20 airlines, including Qantas, under the Dubai National Air Travel Agency: an Emirati airport services provider that provides aircraft ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services across five continents.
A spokesperson tells the Guardian that the agency is “dedicated to the restart of Australian aviation and will continue to work hard to support our employees and meet our customers’ requirements.”
Lengthy delays and cancellations of flights already at the airport are due to the winter school holidays beginning, coupled with staff shortages – a problem Europe is currently tackling as well.
The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has warned: “Chronic understaffing, airport chaos and safety incidents will only get worse if the company doesn’t offer secure jobs at higher rates to attract and retain workers.”
The TWU tells the ABC that incidents have included “belt loaders crashing into planes, locking pins left in landing gear, and incorrect weight information given to pilots before take-off".
