Staff at a major Far North Queensland tourism operator have taken drastic industrial action, walking off the job after being presented with a proposal that would slash their wages by as much as half.
Proposed Pay Cuts Spark Immediate Walkout
Employees at Skydive Cairns, based at the Cairns Airport, were left stunned during a meeting on Wednesday, May 22. Management presented a new employment agreement that would see their pay rates potentially reduced by up to 50 per cent. The proposal was met with immediate action, as multiple staff members, including experienced instructors and camera flyers, chose to walk out in protest.
The company, a prominent player in the region's adventure tourism sector, reportedly told employees that the current pay structure was unsustainable. However, the sheer scale of the proposed reduction has been described by affected workers as devastating and unworkable.
Safety and Morale Concerns Raised
Beyond the immediate financial blow, staff have voiced serious concerns about how such severe cuts could impact operational safety. Skydiving is a high-risk activity where instructor focus, experience, and judgement are paramount. Workers argue that slashing wages could lead to a brain drain of qualified personnel, increased stress for those who remain, and potentially compromise safety standards.
One camera flyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed the personal toll. "Passion doesn't pay the rent," they said, highlighting the disconnect between loving the job and being able to afford basic living costs. The worker detailed that under the new proposal, their earnings could drop from a livable wage to a mere $400 per week for the same dangerous and skilled work.
Company Response and Industry Context
Skydive Cairns has stated that the proposed agreement is part of a necessary business restructuring to ensure long-term viability. A company spokesperson indicated that consultation with staff is ongoing and that they are reviewing the feedback. The business operates in a competitive tourism market that has faced challenges in recent years, including fluctuating visitor numbers and high operational costs.
This dispute shines a light on the broader tensions within Australia's tourism and aviation sectors, where businesses grapple with profitability while employees struggle with the high cost of living, particularly in tourist hotspots like Cairns. The industrial action could disrupt bookings and affect the company's operations during a key period.
The walkout at Skydive Cairns serves as a stark reminder of the value of skilled labour in adventure tourism. The outcome of this dispute will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for employment conditions in an industry that relies heavily on both the enthusiasm and the expertise of its workforce.
