Industrial action due to take place later this month will be the first of its kind in 30 years after the Aviation Security Service and its associated unions failed to come to an agreement.
"Our members are very reluctant to do this, but they feel like they have no choice,” said Glenn Barclay, national secretary of the New Zealand Public Service Association.
Members of the PSA and E tū voted for three strikes at Auckland and Wellington airports – each to be three hours long – as well as a ban on overtime and extra hours at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Barclay said the decision came after the latest offer by the Aviation Security Service included a three-year pay freeze despite reports indicating rising profits.
"The Service’s own figures show passenger numbers are booming – from 15.5 million in 2014, to 16.2 million in 2015,” said Barclay. "That’s nearly three-quarters of a million more passengers, often with insufficient increase in resources to help.”
The Aviation Security Service declined to comment on the upcoming strike action but is expected to release a statement later today.
Barclay said the organisation still had an opportunity to prevent strike action.
"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,” he stressed.
The walk-outs, which are likely to cause significant disruption to the travelling public, are planned for 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
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