We are dedicated to protecting and advocating for aviation workers. From ground handlers to cabin crew, refuellers, pilots, security screeners, catering centres, guest services to baggage handlers, we are the aviation union. We stand united in our fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security.
The TWU have also been at the forefront of advocating for the Same Job, Same Pay legislation, a critical reform aimed at ensuring that all workers performing the same roles receive the same pay and conditions, regardless of their employment status. This legislation is particularly important for aviation workers, who often face disparities in pay and conditions due to the widespread use of labour hire and subcontracting practices in the industry.
We are fighting for Safe & Secure Skies Workers in aviation are joining the TWU from right across the industry: cabin crew, security staff, ground handlers, cleaners, caterers, pilots, refuellers and more. We are serving claims on the nation’s wealthy airports to demand better jobs.
We’re fighting for a safe and secure aviation industry that will lift standards for all airport workers.
We’re fighting for the same pay for the same job. We’re holding wealthy airports and airlines to account for safety and fairness.
But the structural issues in aviation mean that without government intervention, standards for workers and the travelling public will continue to fall from service providers like Swissport.
We need a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to rebalance aviation from an industry obsessed with multimillion-dollar bonuses to an industry that is safe, sustainable and fair.
A Safe and Secure Skies Commission must:
Keep skilled workers in jobs
Lift standards by holding airports and airlines to account for safety and fairness
Ensure same job same pay
Cap executive pay packets and bonuses to invest in workers
Ensure government funding has conditions attached
Our recent history is a testament to our relentless pursuit of justice and fairness in the aviation industry.
High Court Win Against Qantas In a landmark decision, the TWU secured a historic victory in the High Court against one of the biggest employers in Australia, Qantas. This significant ruling found that Qantas had illegally outsourced 1,685 ground handling jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent workers from exercising their industrial rights. This decision not only reinstated justice for those affected workers but also set a powerful precedent against corporate malpractice in the aviation industry. The TWU’s legal battle highlighted our commitment to holding corporations accountable and protecting workers’ rights.
Fighting for strong workplace agreements Our fight for aviation workers extends beyond the courtroom. The TWU has been actively involved in organising protected industrial actions to secure better conditions for workers across multiple airlines and service providers including at Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar, Rivet Refuellers, Dnata, MSS Secuirty and more.
Ongoing Advocacy & Support from TWU Organisers & Delegates The TWU continues to champion the rights of aviation workers in Victoria and Tasmania through ongoing advocacy, negotiations, and support. We have a team of dedicated TWU Organisers and Delegates bring firsthand experience from the aviation industry to their union roles. TWU Organisers, once worked in aviation roles, now leverage their industry knowledge to advocate effectively for aviation workers.
