The TWU says the Federal Government's Aviation White Paper sets out some important consumer-focused initiatives that will require the backing of a secure, experienced workforce.
The union says an independent Safe and Secure Skies Commission is critical to set enforceable standards for the industry to return good, secure jobs to aviation and give a voice to workers, passengers and the community.
TWU National Assistant Secretary Emily McMillan said:
"This White Paper tell us two key things. Firstly, it recognises the need for Federal Government intervention into a deregulated, privatised industry which collapsed under the Morrison approach to 'leave it to the market', while pumping in billions of no-strings taxpayer cash.
"Secondly, it demonstrates the urgency for an independent Safe and Secure Skies Commission to be established, to ensure aviation initiatives are backed up by a secure, experienced workforce and binding standards for airline and airport executives.
"There are several welcome consumer-focused initiatives in this paper. However, it is crucial that no additional pressure is transferred to the workforce who are short-staffed and under the pump after years of driving down pay, working conditions and secure jobs across our airports.
"When the heat was on Qantas for delays and lost luggage, workers at outsourced companies like Swissport copped more pressure, despite management memos acknowledging worker shortages were causing safety incidents.
"The long-term sustainability of this industry will continue to be under threat for as long as jobs are low-paid and insecure, and the market continues to be dominated by the profit motivations of privatised airlines and airports without a voice for the community.
"Workers are preparing to use new laws like multi-employer bargaining and Same Job Same Pay to rebalance the scales as much as possible, but to reverse decades of fragmentation, wage suppression and casualisation, systemic change through a Safe and Secure Skies Commission is required.
"The TWU will continue to engage in consultation on the initiatives of this paper to ensure the needs of the workforce are considered, and advocate for an established voice for workers, passengers and the community."
