IMPACT – MEDIUM 

What is the change? Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) workers are planning to strike next week at airports in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Townsville.

What does the change mean? Travellers using any of the affected airports should expect delays and possible service reductions.

  • Implementation time frame: DIBP workers are expected to strike on 22 and 23 March and may plan strikes on later dates as well.
  • Who is affected: International travellers and others in need of DIBP services at affected airports.
  • Business impact: Businesses should be aware of the strikes and may need to adjust schedules accordingly.
  • Next steps: The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), which represents workers, has said DIBP workers “will undertake several weeks of extended rolling stoppages,” beginning next week.

Background: The strikes, known as “protected industrial actions,” follow work stoppages in June, July and September. A DIBP announcement says airport strikes are planned as follows:

City 22 March 23 March
Adelaide 5 am to 1 pm; 4 pm to midnight 5 am to 1 pm; 4 pm to midnight
Brisbane No strikes planned. 3:30 pm to midnight
Cairns 4 am to noon; 5 pm to midnight 4 am to noon; 5 pm to midnight
Darwin 2 to 10 am; 1 to 9 pm 2 to 10 am; 1 to 9 pm
Melbourne No strikes planned. 9 pm to midnight
Perth 3 to 11 am; 4 pm to midnight 3 to 11 am; 4 pm to midnight
Townsville 9 to 11 am 9 to 11 am

The DIBP website does not mention any strikes planned for Sydney Airport, Australia’s busiest airport. CPSU has made it clear, however, that additional strikes may be planned. BAL will continue to follow developments in Australia and provide updates if additional work stoppages are announced.

BAL Analysis: Government officials said they are working to “minimise the impact on the travelling public,” but that delays should be expected. Travellers at affected airports are advised to arrive early and proceed directly to immigration and customs after checking in.

This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.

MARN: 9683856

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.