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Workers are scheduled to strike at Canberra Airport on Friday, and then at Brisbane and the Gold Coast next Monday.
It’s part of an ongoing pay dispute, with the United Workers Union calling for a 10 to 15 per cent rise.
Brisbane Airport’s head of public affairs Stephen Beckett praised the work of security staff, but said the strike action would “throw the travel plans of tens of thousands of Australians into chaos”.
“This is the first restriction-free Christmas in three years,” Beckett said.
“Hard working Australians deserve the opportunity for a break and the chance to connect with friends and family.”
He said it was hoped that the union and the security company could find a resolution ahead of time.
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“We’re currently working with our airline partners on what the contingencies might look like,” he said.
“Regardless, the wholesale shut down of security screening at three major airports will have an impact.”
It looks like the type of place you’d whack on your travel bucket list
He said people should stay in touch with their airline and make sure to arrive early for a flight – 90 minutes for a domestic trip, three hours for an international one – to mitigate the expected pressure on airport staff.
“We really hope that people sit down and find a resolution, so tens of thousands of Australians don’t end up collateral damage this Christmas period,” Beckett said.
