Lovers' tiff ruins Valentine's Day as Australian skydiving instructors strike
AWU
Many might think jumping out of a plane with your sweetheart is the last thing you would do to show your love but for Skydive Australia it’s a selling point.
And many Australian couples have signed up to fall head over heels this Valentine’s Day.
But a lovers’ tiff threatens to ruin their special day.
Experience Co, which operates as Skydive Australia at jump sites up and down the east coast, from Cairns to St Kilda, has walked away from pay negotiations with their instructors.
On Valentine's Day no less!
As a consequence of the lovers' quarrel Skydive Australia instructors will be grounded today as they take strike action in support of better pay and conditions.
The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) says its members at Experience Co will not accept an offer from their bosses that does not include fair pay and conditions.
“Our skydiving instructors want to ‘love the one they’re with’ but Experience Co just won’t respect their relationship,” said Jonathan Cook, AWU National Organiser.
“Our members have been offered $58,000 a year, that’s a -2.33% pay cut during a cost-of-living crisis.
“These negotiations have been tempestuous from day one with skydivers who’ve been with the company for decades even being told they would be better off quitting and becoming contractors.
“Well this Valentine’s Day skydivers are saying they won’t be falling for the same old sweet platitudes and empty promises.
“Our members aren’t asking for anything extreme - just a secure job that recognises the high-risk work they perform ”
Contact: Tim Brunero 0405 285 547