Last-minute deal scuttles NQ security strikes at Cairns and Mackay airports

An 11th-hour in-principle agreement has been reached between workers and airport security company Trident Services, meaning travellers heading Cairns or Mackay airport can no longer expect significant delays on Friday.

Travellers heading to two of Queensland’s busiest airports should prepare for significant delays this Friday as security screening officers plan to strike just before the school term begins. Picture: Arun Singh Mann

Travellers heading to Cairns or Mackay airports can no longer expect significant delays on Friday, after an 11th-hour in-principle agreement between workers and airport security company Trident Services averted strike action.

Staff were seeking equal pay to match their colleagues at Brisbane, Gold Coast and Townsville Airports.

A United Workers Union spokesman late on Wednesday confirmed an in-principle agreement had been reached between the union and the company, and the action had been called off.

It’s understood the agreement will still need to be voted on by workers.

Prior to the agreement being reached, Cairns Airport security worker Norman Ferguson said despite Cairns Airport being crowned as “Airport of the Year” for two consecutive years, security staff were ­struggling to make ends meet.

“Many of us are struggling to earn a liveable wage to support our families. All we are asking for is a decent wage for the very important job in keeping our airports safe,” he said.

“For two years running, Cairns Airport has been crowned Airport of the Year, but there has not been one shout-out to the hardworking security screeners keeping ­passengers safe.”

A Jetstar commercial passenger plane comes in to land at the Cairns Airport, using an Instrument Landing System to guide the aircraft approach angle need to land safely. Picture: Brendan Radke.

Mackay Airport security worker Allan Maddison said, regardless of size or location, the work performed by regional staff was just as essential as major metropolitan airports.

“Testing, qualifications, and responsibilities are the same in Mackay as in Brisbane, Sydney or any other airport.

“We deserve to be paid the same. Security at Mackay is just as important as security in Brisbane,” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the UWU had urged Trident Services and Cairns Airport to address the issue with urgency.

Cairns Airport is currently undergoing a significant investment of $55m upgrade. Picture: Supplied.

United Workers Union property services director Lyndal Ryan said officers worked diligently to keep skies safe and were just as important as their counterparts in Brisbane, Townsville and Gold Coast.

“Trident Services and Cairns Airport can ensure families are able to return to Brisbane on time for the commencement of school by committing to pay their security screeners at rates equivalent to those of screeners at Brisbane,” she said.

“Union members do not want to disrupt the travelling public.

“Ultimately, it is North Queensland Airports who can intervene and resolve this ­dispute and we hope that they do this before stoppages commence,” she said.

The union had contacted airport owner, North Queensland Airports, asking them to step in to help resolve the dispute.

Cairns Airport acknowledged the now-cancelled industrial action by Trident security screening officers and the United Workers Union, while reaffirming its commitment to traveller safety and the essential role of security personnel in maintaining airport security.

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said they were aware of the negotiations between security providers and the union, however, they had not “been party” to the discussions.

Originally published as Last-minute deal scuttles NQ security strikes at Cairns and Mackay airports