5 July, 2016.
NEWS RELEASE
E tū says poor pay offer spurs airport security strike vote
E tū Aviation says airport security workers are reluctant to take strike action but feel they have no choice.
Workers have voted to strike in two weeks’ time, with three hour strikes at Auckland and Wellington airport. There will
also be bans on overtime and extra hours at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
E tū represents more than 250 of the 800-strong workforce which provides security services at the country’s airports.
E tū head of Aviation’s, Kelvin Ellis says it’s the first time members have walked off the job in three decades and
there will be travel disruptions.
But he says morale is rock bottom after a year of stalled pay talks, and a bid by Aviation Security to erode pay and
conditions.
“Many workers are part-timers and the offer for them would mean a pay cut this year, while other people would see no
noticeable pay rise for up to three years.”
Kelvin says a boom year for the aviation industry has pushed staff hard and stretched resources.
He says members offered to meet management half-way over changes to workers’ employment contracts, “but members need a
fair deal and a fair pay-rise.”
He says the contract changes are complex, but would affect key allowances which compensate staff for shift work and
travel.
Kelvin says there will be mediation over the coming fortnight and E tū Aviation remains hopeful an offer will be made
which will resolve the impasse.
Strikes will be held on 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
ends