Wages not our duty: Airport

SYDNEY Airport shares have gained altitude after it dodged a stand-off over worker pay, despite flagging subdued growth in passenger numbers for the rest of the year.

The operator of Australia’s biggest airport, Kingsford Smith, sidestepped concerns over pay rates at yesterday’s annual general meeting, saying it was not responsible for wages paid to workers by third-party companies.

The Transport Workers’ Union had expressed concerns in the lead up to the meeting of shareholders that wages and safety conditions were not good enough when set beside the airport’s climbing revenue.

Sydney Airport chairman Trevor Gerber assured TWU representatives safety remained a top priority and offered to meet with members every day if necessary to discuss workplace concerns.

“(But) when it comes to wages I have to say that I am a bit reluctant to say we would have some influence ... on a third party,” Mr Gerber said.

“We will meet with you provided the subject is the safety and security of people at the airport, which we have responsibility for, but pay we don’t.”

Sydney Airport welcomed a record 44.4 million passengers in 2018 and a 6.8 per cent lift in total revenue to $1.58 billion.