From 2022-2024, airport security and cleaning workers coordinated actions across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, winning record pay rises up to 7 and converting casual jobs to permanent positions. Their campaigns have lifted standards across the aviation industry by showing the power of one united national union for aviation security and cleaning.
wave of strikes has swept through Australia’s major airports as security guards and cleaners who are member of our union refused to accept poverty wages for essential work. The fight back kicked off in September 2022 when Sydney Airport security guards won a massive 7% backdated pay rise plus another 7% for 2023, along with hundreds of part-time jobs converted to full-time.
The win sparked action across the country. Brisbane Airport cleaners fought their way to 3.5% above award wages and a $50 weekly airport allowance. By August 2024, Melbourne Airport security screeners were striking against cost-of-living pressures, showing the campaign for decent airport wages was only growing stronger.
These coordinated actions proved that when airport workers unite across different cities and companies, they can force aviation giants to deliver fair pay. Each victory-built momentum for the next fight, creating a ripple effect of rising standards across the industry.