Airport security staff to strike for first time in 30 years

Aviation security staff will hold two weeks of industrial action later this month, after unions and their employer were unable to settle a new collective agreement.

Members of the Public Service Association and E tū voted for three 3-hour strikes at Auckland and Wellington airports - and a ban overtime and extra hours at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

"This strike action will be the first time Aviation Security workers have walked off the job in three decades," PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay says.

"There will be significant disruption to the travelling public.

"Our members are very reluctant to do this, but they feel like they have no choice.

"The latest offer by the Aviation Security Service will see some of our members go 3 years without a pay rise."

Mr Barclay says it’s clear the Service has the money to make a better offer, since its Annual Report shows a surplus of $5.8 million in 2014-15.

"The Service’s own figures show passenger numbers are booming - from 15.5 million in 2014, to 16.2 million in 2015.

"That’s nearly three-quarters of a million more passengers, often with insufficient increase in resources to help.

"Aviation Security workers are law enforcement officers, who help make New Zealand’s aviation industry one of the safest and most highly-regarded in the world.

"They’re helping to build a modern, successful aviation industry - and unions were prepared to agree to substantial changes to the Collective Agreement in order to do that.

"The Service still has the chance to stop the strikes by making a fair offer to its staff, which addresses their concerns and ensures they are fairly rewarded for the crucial job they do."

Strikes will be held on the following dates:

AUCKLAND

Wed 20 July, 1000 - 1330 plus overtime/extra hours ban all day
Mon 25 July, 1530 - 1830 plus overtime/extra hours ban all day
Wed 27 July, 0530 - 0830 plus overtime/extra hours ban all day

WELLINGTON

Wed 20 July, 1000 - 1330 plus overtime/extra hours ban all day
Fri 22 July, 1530 - 1830 plus overtime/extra hours ban all day
Tues 26 July, 0530 - 0830 plus overtime/extra hours ban all day

CHRISTCHURCH

Wed 20 July - overtime/extra hours ban all day
Mon 25 July - overtime/extra hours ban all day
Wed 27 July - overtime/extra hours ban all day

ENDS

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