FED:Delays expected as airport workers strike

AAP General News (Australia)
08-19-2011
FED:Delays expected as airport workers strike

SYDNEY, Aug 19 AAP - Striking quarantine staff are set to cause delays at international
airports on Friday morning.

The workers, who screen arriving passengers for biosecurity hazards and other prohibited
items, will down tools at airports across the nation for four hours beginning at 6am.

It follows similar two-hour stoppages at airports last week, causing some minor delays
for travellers.

The industrial action is being carried out by members of the Community and Public Sector
Union (CPSU) over stalled pay talks with their employer, the Department of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

Talks on Thursday aimed at resolving the dispute failed to reach an agreement.

"Despite our best attempts today, discussions failed to resolve the pay issue," CPSU
national secretary Nadine Flood said.

"We would urge people collecting inbound international passengers tomorrow morning
to factor possible delays into their plans."

Other workers involved in the strikes include cargo inspectors and staff examining
inbound international mail.

The CPSU is demanding a 3.6 per cent pay rise, in line with the consumer price index.

It says it has been offered a three per cent rise by the DAFF.

A notice posted on the DAFF website said the department was aware of the strikes.

"It is intended that departmental operations will continue during periods of industrial
action. Established business continuity plans have been activated," the notice read.

AAP mdg/mp

KEYWORD: QUARANTINE AM UPDATE

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.