Have any questions? Call us: Carter Capner Law monitors workplace accidents throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for workers and contractors throughout Australia. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law.
Introduction
Tourist hotspots across Australia are bracing for disruption after skydiving instructors staged what unions describe as unprecedented industrial action, walking off the job amid a long-running pay dispute. The strike is expected to affect popular destinations during the busy summer travel period.
Details of the Industrial Action
The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) said skydiving instructors employed by tourism operator Skydive Australia, owned by Experience Co, stopped work on Friday at eight sites across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Around 130 instructors participated in the strike, following nearly 10 months of stalled negotiations for the company’s first enterprise agreement.
The AWU said instructors had received minimal pay increases in recent years, despite Experience Co reporting its strongest financial results since the 2018–19 financial year.
Pay Dispute and Safety Concerns
According to the union, wage proposals put forward by the company included cuts of between $20,000 and $100,000 a year, with the proposed minimum annual wage for instructors reduced from $57,000 to $49,000.
The AWU claimed the company was seeking to move instructors onto a gig-style employment model, raising concerns about the impact on safety standards.
AWU national organiser Jonathan Cook said:
“Tandem skydiving instructors literally take people’s lives in their hands every time they go to work.”
Sites Affected
Skydive Australia locations impacted by the strike include:
- Mission Beach, Queensland
- Byron Bay, New South Wales
- St Kilda, Victoria
The stoppages are expected to affect thousands of tourists, with operators warning of delays, cancellations and rescheduling.
Company Response
Experience Co condemned the strike action, describing it as “unreasonable and irresponsible”.
Chief executive John O’Sullivan said:
“We are at a loss to understand this action given the strength of our offers.”
He said the AWU had rejected every employer proposal and had lodged an ambit claim last month that would significantly increase costs for the business.
O’Sullivan urged the union to return to negotiations with “reasonable expectations” so an agreement could be reached.
Customer Impact
Experience Co said it was actively managing the situation to minimise disruption, with some skydives being rescheduled.
Customers affected by the strike are being contacted directly and offered alternative booking options or full refunds.
Conclusion
The industrial action marks a rare and highly visible strike in Australia’s adventure tourism sector, placing pressure on operators during peak season. As negotiations remain at an impasse, the dispute highlights broader tensions over pay, job security and safety in high-risk tourism roles.