‘Chaos imminent’ travel warning for Brisbane airports as union threatens to stop work

Passengers heading through Brisbane Airport next week could face serious delays amid threatens of a series of stop work actions for security screening staff.

Passengers heading through Brisbane Airport next week could face serious delays amid union stop work threats.

Passengers could face travel chaos at Brisbane Airport next week as a powerful union threatens a series of stop work actions for security screening staff.

The United Workers Union is negotiating a pay deal for staff at ISS, an international firm with the contract to provide security screening services at both Brisbane Airport’s domestic and international terminal.

Tense discussions appear to have reached an impasse, with the UWU releasing a statement warning of “chaos imminent” at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday with about 150 staff set to take protected action from 6:45am to 8:15am in a series of stoppages.

United Workers Union director Lyndal Ryan said members had voted to reject an offer from ISS as it would leave them earning less than their Sydney counterparts.

“The officers that work diligently to keep our skies safe are not paid in accordance with their critical responsibilities,” she said.

“Union members do not wish to inconvenience the travelling public, but they’ve been squeezed and pushed by ISS for too long.

“As Brisbane enters a period of preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, it is crucial that Brisbane Airport has an experienced, well-trained security team.

“This can only be achieved if security staff are shown to be valued and rewarded with decent pay and conditions.”

Passengers hit with delays out of Brisbane in 2019. Picture: File

In a statement, a spokeperson for Brisbane Airport said aviation screeners played “an essential role in keeping passengers safe”.

“Brisbane Airport recognises the role the union plays in advocating on behalf of its members in negotiations with their employer ISS and looks forward to both parties reaching a fair outcome, without disruption to the travelling public,” the spokesperson said.

“As is the case in most workplaces, enterprise bargaining negotiations are matters for employers, their employees and/or their industrial representatives.”

In a message posted on social media platforms, Brisbane Airport advised travellers that security screening areas would remain open during the industrial action but at a reduced capacity.

“Brisbane Airport will have care team members on hand to assist with passenger flows,” the message said.

Travellers were advised to stick to regular travel arrangements, which suggest arriving 90 minutes before a domestic flight and three hours before an international departure.

It is understood the UWU is seeking a $250-per fortnight pay rise for staff while ISS has offered a six per cent increase this year, five per cent for the following year and a CPI or Fair Work Commission-endorsed award increase in the third year.

The negotiations follow substantial pay rises for staff - up to 30 per cent, during the last round of employment agreements in 2022.

However, the two sides remain at loggerheads.

In a statement, a spokesperson for ISS said: “We have the highest respect for our people and the important work they do each day,” the spokesperson said.

“This new agreement builds on our 2022 commitment which saw a significant increase of around 30 per cent for most employees at Brisbane Airport to recognise the important work of our people.

“We aim to reach a fair agreement that continues to reflect our commitment to our employees’ well-being and the critical role they play in our operations.

“We are disappointed that the United Workers Union has threatened protected action as we enter all wage negotiations with a commitment to work constructively towards the best and most feasible outcome for our people.

“We remain confident that through continued dialogue we can reach a positive outcome.”