Holiday plans for thrill-seekers have been abruptly grounded in Wollongong as skydiving instructors launched industrial action over a bitter pay dispute, casting a shadow over a key local tourist attraction.
Strike Action Halts Jumps Amid Visitor Campaign
The walk-off at Skydive Australia's North Wollongong site and five other locations across the country began on Friday, December 5, 2025. This action comes at an awkward time, coinciding with new campaigns encouraging visitors to holiday in the Illawarra region.
Instructors, represented by the Australian Workers Union (AWU), initiated protected industrial action after ten months of failed salary negotiations. AWU national organiser Jonathan Cook warned that a proposed new pay deal could slash workers' annual incomes by between $20,000 and $100,000.
"They want to turn these skilled professionals into gig workers, paid less, working more, and carrying the same enormous responsibility," Mr Cook stated. He posed a stark question to potential customers: "Would you jump out of a plane with an instructor who can't afford to feed their family, while the company pockets millions?"
The Battle Over 'Piece Rate' Pay
The core of the conflict is a proposed shift to a 'piece rate' payment system. Under this model, the base minimum wage would drop from approximately $57,000 to $49,000. Instructors would then earn extra for each jump completed, video footage sold to clients, and additional 'weight charges' for clients over 85 kilograms.
Workers held a rally at Stuart Park in North Wollongong on Friday morning. Further disruption is planned, with another 24-hour strike set for Saturday, December 6, and rolling strikes commencing on Monday, December 8, unless an adequate pay offer is received.
Approximately 20 to 30 instructors work at the North Wollongong site, with around half being union members.
Company Rejects Union Claims, Points to Pandemic Recovery
Skydive Australia's parent company, Experience Co, has fiercely rejected the union's characterisation of the dispute. CEO John O'Sullivan labelled the AWU's action as "unreasonable" and dismissed claims of massive pay cuts as "ridiculous".
Mr O'Sullivan asserted that six pay deals had been presented to the union and that the AWU's own counter-offer would add $3.3 million to Skydive Australia's cost base. He argued the business is still in recovery mode, operating at only 60 per cent of its pre-pandemic booking levels.
"The AWU asked for the 'piece rate' deal and 'the more they jump, the more they earn, and that's what they wanted us to do'," Mr O'Sullivan claimed. He contrasted Skydive Australia's salaried staff—who receive sick leave, annual leave, and superannuation—with contractors elsewhere in the industry who are "only paid for what they do".
This stance contradicts the union's position. Mr Cook accused the company of seeking to punish workers to offset other rising operational costs and boost margins. "Their main argument is that they want to increase their margins and they say to their workers, if you don't accept a pay cut we can't give you job security," he said.
The industrial action is confirmed to affect some planned tourist skydives, disappointing visitors during the busy holiday period. The dispute puts a spotlight on working conditions in Australia's adventure tourism sector as it navigates post-pandemic challenges.
