Airport workers feel pressured to put up with unsafe conditions, leaving large numbers of staff injured on the job, according to a survey that a union says reveals a sector at breaking point.
The Transport Workers Union survey of more than 2000 aviation workers found just under half reported being injured at work, while 89 per cent felt they had been pressured to work unsafely.
The union says the findings are symptomatic of an industry that's "hyper-fixated on profits" and dismissing workers' safety as a result.
"Airline and airport executives recklessly chase exorbitant bonuses at the expense of workers and the public relying on a decent aviation industry," TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said on Monday.
"After a decade of cost-cutting and wrecking jobs driven under Alan Joyce's Qantas, this industry has been absolutely gutted … workers are exhausted, pressured and increasingly injured on the job, and standards for the public are plummeting."
Budget airlines Bonza and Tigerair have collapsed in recent years, while cash-strapped regional carrier Rex has gone into administration.
Those airline failures had fuelled workforce turnover in an industry that thrives with experienced employees, Mr Kaine said.
The survey found nearly six-in-10 aviation-sector employees had worked in the industry for less than five years.
Three-quarters said they could not keep working in aviation under the current pay and conditions.
"Whether you're a ground handler responsible for loading planes correctly, cabin crew dealing with onboard medical emergencies, or a pilot getting us safely to our destinations, aviation relies on skilled and experienced workers," Mr Kaine said.
"Aviation is at breaking point. We will not escape this crisis until there are decent jobs for workers and that means regulation to ensure airlines and airports pay their fair share."
Ground workers at dnata recently penned a two-year pay deal with pay rises of up to 12 per cent after earlier going on strike.
After a year of negotiations, they secured rostering improvements including a maximum of six consecutive shifts, minimum 48-hour rest periods and a week's notice on roster changes.
Transport Minister Catherine King, Qantas and Virgin have been contacted for comment.
