Should some jobs not be outsourced? Skydiving instructors think so
Sydney Morning Herald
by Chris ZapponeFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Skydiving instructors in Australia have gone on strike over concerns that outsourcing jobs to foreign workers, who would be paid less than local employees, could undermine their livelihoods. The dispute centers around Experience Co, which operates Skydive Australia, seeking permission to hire 15 foreign instructors annually for three years due to a global shortage of qualified staff. While the company argues this is necessary to meet customer demand and fill expiring visas, union representatives claim the move would lower wages and reduce opportunities for local workers. The union also opposes the closure of local training programs, which they say are essential for developing new instructors.
The conflict highlights broader debates over outsourcing and its impact on workers' pay and job security. While Experience Co CEO John O’Sullivan maintains that foreign workers will not replace current employees but rather address a temporary labor shortage, critics argue that paying visa workers less than local staff undermines fairness. The company offers foreign instructors a base salary of $57,000, compared to the $58,000 paid to locals, plus additional bonuses for jumps and camera services, which can significantly boost earnings for high-performing instructors.
The strike has disrupted operations at key locations across the east coast, with instructors grounded for several days. The union fears that relying on foreign labor will reduce capacity and ultimately lower wages for all workers. They also criticize the company’s decision to close local training programs, which they say limits opportunities for new instructors and weakens the domestic workforce.
This issue resonates globally as industries grapple with labor shortages and the ethical implications of outsourcing. For skydiving enthusiasts and those interested in global labor practices, the dispute offers a unique glimpse into how businesses balance cost-cutting measures with fairness and sustainability in their operations.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/24/2026