Industrial Action by DIBP Staff
Protected industrial action will commence today, and will continue intermittently until Friday, 26 June 2015. During this period, airports, client service centres, ports, container examination facilities and visa processes may be affected.
The protected industrial action is being undertaken by Community and Public Sector Union members employed with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS).
The Immigration and Border Protection Portfolio is working with partner agencies, airport owners and airlines to minimise impact on the travelling public and on cargo and mail operations. The Portfolio is also ensuring appropriate contingencies are in place for visa and citizenship services.
ACBPS Deputy CEO Border Operations, Michael Outram, said the Portfolio has arrangements in place to protect Australia’s borders and minimise the impact on business operations.
“While there will be some delays in services, we anticipate that contingency measures in place will keep interruptions to a minimum. The Portfolio regrets any inconvenience this industrial action may cause the public and industry.” Mr Outram said.
“During protected industrial action, the health and safety of our people and the protection of the border continue to be our priority.”
Passengers may be impacted at international airports from Tuesday, 16 June 2015. Regular updates about protected industrial action will be published on Portfolio websites (www.customs.gov.au and www.immi.gov.au) and official Facebook pages.
“The Portfolio has negotiated with bargaining representatives to develop a proposed enterprise agreement that provides the best possible outcome for the combined workforce in a challenging operational and fiscal environment,” Mr Outram said.
“The proposed enterprise agreement has been circulated to employees, and will be put to a vote as soon as the approvals required under the under the Australian Government Public Sector Workplace Bargaining Policy have been secured.”
Airports affected are:
Sydney: 16 and 18 June 2015
Perth: 18 June 2015
Darwin: 18 June 2015
Brisbane: 24 June 2015
Gold Coast: 24 June 2015
Melbourne: 25 June 2015
Adelaide: 26 June 2015
Cairns: 26 June 2015
