‘Crisis conditions': Workers march on Brisbane Airport over raft of airline safety concerns
Union-affiliated workers have marched at Brisbane Airport demanding 'decent standards' in aviation – calling on airlines, governments and regulators to put fair working conditions in place.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) on Wednesday said dozens of workers would protest outside Brisbane International Airport after raising issues about 'crisis conditions', sparked by what they claimed was 'over a decade' of cost-cutting and outsourcing by airlines.
'Poor pay and conditions are driving skilled workers out of the industry and impacting on safety for both workers and the travelling public,' the union said in a statement.
Major issues have also been flagged with companies like Swissport – with the union claiming the Swiss aviation company is dragging the industry down with an 'appalling' safety record.
In December last year, a Swissport worker at Brisbane Airport almost lost his leg in a machinery accident.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said workers could not function in an industry where clients were 'ruthlessly cutting costs in their supply chain'.
A union-led survey of 300 workers – 10 per cent of Swissport's workforce – claimed 39 per cent had been injured while on the job.
Another 73 per cent claimed they had been 'pressured' to work unsafely while 60 per cent said they were left with outdated equipment.
The survey found 1 in 2 participants said their safety concerns had not been resolved.
'It is an appalling indictment on the state of this industry that almost half of Swissport workers are injured on the job, three quarters are pressured to work unsafely just to get planes out on time, and their concerns are routinely ignored,' Mr Kaine claimed.
'This must end.'
Mr Kaine said the crisis in aviation would not go away by itself unless there was 'significant action' at all levels.
The union has demanded airports prioritise workers and customers over profits.
They also want airlines to ensure workers have 'safe, secure, and fairly paid jobs' and governments establish a commission to keep the industry sustainable.
'Aviation members today are standing up for decent jobs, for decent standards in aviation and an industry that serves the community rather than CEOs and their pay packets,' Mr Kaine said.
In a statement, a Brisbane Airport spokesman reiterated safety and care were at the core of the airport's culture.
'We take a strong and proactive stance on safety, not just as a regulatory requirement, but as a fundamental value that guides how we design, build, and manage our airport environment,' the spokesman said.
'This commitment extends beyond our own staff to include the hundreds of people employed by airlines and their contracted service providers who work across our precinct every day, and that includes Swissport.
'We believe that a safe airport is only possible through collaboration, transparency, and shared commitment to safety by all who operate here.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

News.com.au
15 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Best EOFY 2025 luxury car sales in Australia
Promotions can be a sensitive subject for prestige brands keen to protect resale values - and their relationship with existing customers - by playing it cool during end of financial year deals. Don't expect brands to make a huge song and dance about slashing thousands from desirable models - discounts are sometimes done quietly, almost on an individual basis. But you can find advertised promotions on models with great inclusions, accessories, service packages and more. LUXURY CARS Alfa Romeo: The glamorous Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti can be yours for $69,990 drive-away - about $12,000 off - while the Giulia sedan is $59,990 drive-away (save about $15,000). Audi: Promotional prices from Audi include the Quattro Q5 45 TFSI for $92,990 drive-away, a discount of almost $10,000. Look for deals on the new Q3, which is due to be replaced soon and can be had with heaps of extras for $60,900 drive-away. BMW: Competitive finance from BMW allows you to drive away in a 1-Series hatchback for $118 per week, or an X1 SUV for $130 per week, paying a 3.99 per cent comparison rate. The brand also has zero-deposit finance with deposit contributions on a range of models. Mercedes-Benz: The compact Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV is available in a City Edition that delivers extras for about $6000 less than the price of regular models, while the larger GLE Night Edition has black 22-inch wheels and black exterior trim for $139,900 drive-away. Genesis: Hyundai's luxury arm is offering $7000 deposit contributions and $2000 odd delivery fees on models financed in-house.

News.com.au
32 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Collette Dinnigan buys luxury Elizabeth Bay penthouse
Fashion designer and interior designer Collette Dinnigan has snapped up a luxury Elizabeth Bay penthouse after selling her Darling Point home for $20m. It's an interesting move for Dinnigan and husband Bradley Cocks, a hotelier and real estate agent, who previously owned a four-bedroom semi in Hamden Ave, Darling Point that they'd bought for $7m in 2017 and spent years renovating to capitalise on views Rushcutters and Elizabeth Bay. The couple's new home is a two-level three-bedroom residence atop the six-level Tradewinds building, bought for about $7.2m via BresicWhitney director Shannan Whitney and Romany Brooks last month, sources advise. $80m unit smashes all records The agents were contacted for comment this morning, but had no comment. Tradewinds is considered one of Elizabeth Bay's best positions, with the 250sqm north-facing apartment coming with uninterrupted harbour views towards North Head. Expect Dinnigan to add her personal touches to the stylish new pad, which was last renovated a decade ago. It comes with three 'retro' styled bathrooms and kitchen and a wide balcony with large terrace on level one. There are two separate living zones on each level, with distinct detail and 1970s style custom joinery. Thanks to its northerly aspect, the residence is full of light and there's also air-conditioning. It all comes with three-car garage parking. The buyers of the couple's previous home in Darling Point were Julie Entwistle and her husband, Jason, the director of strategic development at wealth management platform Hub24. The Entwistle's former home, at 53 Regent St, Paddington, a magnificently renovated four-bedroom terrace with alfresco garden and parking, has been listed with Maclay Longhurst and Emily Davidson of Sotheby's. Neither wished to comment. On a 212sqm block close to Centennial Park and with three bathrooms, there's a $5m guide for a June 28 auction.

News.com.au
33 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Qantas announces sweeping sale on premium seats for popular international destinations
Luxury travellers rejoice, Qantas has announced a sweeping sale on premium cabin fares across its international network. From Thursday, travellers will be able to access more than 80,000 discounted first class, business class and premium economy seats across almost every one of Qantas' international destinations. Using cash or points, customers can travel across Asia, the UK, South Africa, North and South America, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, with some destinations fetching big discounts. Travellers making their way to New Zealand can enjoy $999 premium economy seats on return flights from Sydney to Auckland. Qantas international chief Cam Wallace said the airline had strong interest in premium travel options on its long-haul international flights. 'This sale is one we know our customers will love, with discounted premium seats across almost our entire international network, including over peak periods like the northern hemisphere summer and Christmas holidays,' Mr Wallace said. With the sale extending out across those peak travel periods, Australians making their way to international family or seeking a global getaway over the holidays will have access to Sydney to London return premium economy flights from $3799 and Sydney to New York from $4299. There are further benefits for those repeat Qantas customers. 'And for our frequent flyers, it's a fantastic opportunity to maximise their points with Classic Plus seats now on sale,' Mr Wallace said. 'It's another way we're providing great value and more choice for our members to fly in premium cabins to their favourite destinations.' The sale runs until midnight Wednesday, June 18, unless sold out earlier. Flights can be booked up until May 2026, with some selected dates blacked out. The fares include baggage, in-flight entertainment and food and drinks. The full list of routes on sale is available on the Qantas website.