Deeds, not words: members’ protected-action stoppage brings AFS back to the negotiation table

Having been in EBA negotiations for more than six months, members at Airport Fuel Services were insulted when company made a final offer that proposed a two-tiered pay rate. AFS tried to bribe permanent employees into stitching up their casual workmates by offering the permanents five per cent increases for four years. The casuals and new staff would take a $13/hr pay cut if AFS had had its way.

 
It was then that members voted for the protected-action stoppage, as a last resort. AFS responded by threatening them with a seven-day lock-out.
 
TWU negotiators tried to avert the stoppage with further discussions, during which they requested AFS consent to arbitration by Fair Work Australia. AFS refused, and walked out of the meeting.
 
On the day of the stoppage, members rallied outside the yard, and delivered flyers to passengers at the international and domestic terminals. Since the members had been gagged by AFS, State Secretary Wayne Forno, Senior Airlines Official and Lead Organiser Mick Peiri, and Senior Official Michael Aird gave media interviews.


A press conference outside the yard was held later that morning, at which Michael Aird and National Secretary Tony Sheldon slated AFS for attacking the notion of a fair go for all.
 
TWU always believes actions speak louder than words. So we went to Fair Work Australia again to see if the Commissioner could help both parties in reaching an agreement.
 
With the assistance of Fair Work Australia, we are confident of reaching a good outcome for the members soon.
 
All credit to the members for their principled, courageous stand against injustice in the workplace.