The TWU’s call for Safe and Secure Skies

Aviation has suffered a mass exodus of skilled workers after the Morrison government failed to provide JobKeeper to swathes of the aviation sector and turned a blind eye to the illegal outsourcing of 2000 workers by Qantas. 

Since the start of the pandemic, the TWU has been calling for a National Plan for Aviation to support workers and airlines through COVID, and rebuild aviation fairly as hard borders came down. Specifically, we need a Safe and Secure Skies Commission – an independent tribunal put in place to safeguard the industry and lift standards.

Workers deserve a national plan which puts them at the centre of rebuilding aviation. Complimenting a Commission must be funded programs to support workers retrain and reconnect to the jobs they lost during the pandemic, and targeted spending to reduce COVID risks and maintain public confidence in air travel. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to implementing reform to make aviation jobs safer and more secure, and the TWU stands ready to hold his government to account.