Travellers avoid airline strike delays

Travellers avoid airline strike delays

International travellers were told to expect lengthy delays, but holidaymakers say Border Force strikes have had little impact on airport departures.

Border Force staff began a 24-hour strike at midnight as part of an industrial dispute over pay and conditions.

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) had predicted major disruptions, with the industrial action coinciding with ongoing flight cancellations between Australia and Bali.

“It has ended up falling on a very difficult day,” CPSU national secretary Nadine Flood said.

“We weren’t in a position to change the date.”

About 5000 border officials are involved in the strikes across the nation’s international airports, ports, mail and cargo centres.

Passengers at Melbourne airport have faced long lines but no flight delays, prompting warnings to arrive early, but not too early.

“Some are arriving four or five hours early and they have to wait around in the airport because they can’t be checked in (at that time),” airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett said.

Long lines are expected again during the 7pm to 9pm peak.

Meanwhile, in Sydney travellers have been impressed.

“Despite the strike, Sydney international airport super efficient this morning,” Twitter user Synthesis wrote.

Alicia Mayer said her friend made it through customs in 14 minutes on Monday morning, while another traveller said strikes should happen more often.

“Maybe #borderfarce would strike more regularly? Kerb to lounge in less than 10 minutes this morning at SYD Intl Airport,” Rugby Riddler wrote.

Not all were happy, though.

Taking to Twitter, Matt Smith described his morning airport experience as “total pandemonium”.

The CPSU says Border Force and Immigration workers are facing cuts to workplace rights and pay cuts of up to $8000 a year.

“We want this sorted well before Christmas,” Ms Flood said.

Meanwhile, Virgin Australia and Jetstar cancelled all Monday services to and from Bali, due to the Indonesian ash cloud.

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