Airports across Australia are likely to face disruptions next week as the security workers have threatened to go on strike over equal pay. With the approaching holiday season, these strikes could lead to passenger woes and airport chaos. Strikes are scheduled to take place at the Brisbane and Gold Coast airports on December 19, 2022, and Canberra airport on December 16, 2022, according to a statement from Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC).
A BAC spokesperson said: “We do hope the security company and its workforce are able to reach a fair outcome in this wage negotiation. We are concerned that hard-working Australians, many of whom have been unable to see family and take a restriction-free Christmas holiday for several years, could end up collateral damage in this wage negotiation. The date of the industrial action is in the middle of the holiday rush, and the time chosen covers the peak period of the day when we are at our busiest.”
The airports have issued notices warnings cautioning travellers of airport chaos ahead of school holidays with industrial action planned at Brisbane, Canberra, and Gold Coast airports. Industrial action in Brisbane will take place on the Monday before Christmas over a four-hour period in the morning, posing a problem for the airport.
Damien Davie, United Workers Union (UWU) coordinator said: “Between 350-400, security guards are set to strike on Brisbane and the Gold Coast if a deal is not made. The union workers are fighting for similar pay and conditions to their NSW and Victorian counterparts. The ongoing staff shortages have put “extreme” pressure on the workers. It is a high-pressure job and these guys are the last line of defence from bombs getting on planes. The gap is only a few dollars but about a 10-15% overall difference.
Davie further hoped that the industrial action could be avoided.
“They have been underpaid and undervalued for years, now it’s time to get a bit back,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the airport authorities are questioning whether a full workforce stoppage at several of Australia’s key airports at peak holiday time is proportionate action for a wage negotiation, notwithstanding the merits or otherwise of the union’s claim.
Going ahead, the airport hopes that the United Workers Union (UWU) and ISS security can reach a fair and reasonable outcome in a time that allows Australians to have the Christmas holiday they deserve, and to reconnect with their family and friends.