Effects of enterprise bargaining and agreement clauses on the operating cost of airline ground crew scheduling

Labour conditions in enterprise agreements dictate airline worker rostering and affect operating costs. By using an airline ground crew shift optimisation model in the context of Australian labour regulations, this paper explores how labour agreements could affect costs and potential options to improve labour conditions for mutual benefits. Results found that a reduction of shift length could save 30 percent of airline employee costs. The ratio of full-time and part-time staff could significantly affect staffing costs. A portion of staff cost savings could be redirected to employees as wage rises, while maintaining job security and benefiting both parties. •A staff shift planning model was used to model staff employment constraints.•Enterprise bargains affect staffing costs and can guide labour negotiation.•Reduction of shift length could save 30% employee costs in a case study.•Part-time and full-time employee ratio also affects staffing costs.•It is possible to balance job security for workers and keep benefits for airlines.