The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has advised the passengers traveling internationally by air from 11-13 August 2016 to arrive at the airport early and avoid delays due to protected industrial action.
Some employees, including from the Australian Border Force (ABF), who are members of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) will take part in the 24-hour stoppage at international airports on Friday 12 August. It is reported that due to shift arrangements, this action may affect some late flights in the evening of 11 August and early flights in the morning of 13 August.
Assistant Commissioner Clive Murray, from the ABF’s Strategic Border Command, said the Department is making arrangements to minimize the impact on travelers as much as possible.
“If you are going overseas or returning to Australia on these dates, we advise you to arrive at the airport early. We aim to provide the best service we can and will continue to maintain our protection of Australia’s borders through contingency arrangements. The safety and security of the public and our staff remains our highest priority, said Assistant Commissioner Murray.
Murray added that the SmartGate technology will remain available at all the eight major international airports and fully trained staff will be on hand to ensure all airport functions are running as efficiently as possible.
The Department expects to be in a position to re-commence Enterprise Agreement negotiations shortly. The Department is committed to negotiating the best possible Enterprise Agreement outcome for its staff.
