Two-week trade union strike to disrupt Australian airports

Melbourne, Sep 23 (IANS) International passengers arriving in Australia between September 26 and October 9 may have to wait for more than the usual time for services and clearance as employees of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection plan to go on a two-week nationwide strike.

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) -- one of the most active trade unions in Australia -- has declared the countrywide work strike from September 26 to pressurise the Australian federal government into resolving their long-running pay dispute.

The CPSU has already given notice of work stoppages at all Department of Immigration and Border Protection work areas, in all states, including international airports, client service centres, ports, container examination facilities and international mail facilities.

The employees of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, being members of the CPSU, are likely to participate in the strike.

In a media release, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on Friday said they had contingency arrangements in place to minimise the impact of stoppages on business operations.

"While we are working closely with stakeholders to minimise the impact on the travelling public and on cargo and mail operations, and are ensuring appropriate measures are in place for visa and citisenship services, we strongly encourage passengers departing on international flights get to the airport early and those arriving should expect some delays," said the release.