24 hour Customs strike 22 October

Date: 21 October 2004

A 24-hour strike by Customs officers will go ahead from midnight tonight following the failure of Australian Customs Service management to make an improved offer in stalled pay and staffing negotiations.

The CPSU is predicting strong support for the strike from Customs Officers who feel frustrated by management's continuing failure to address concerns about low pay and staffing levels.

Lengthy delays with baggage and passport checks are expected for international flights and travellers have been advised to factor in extra time on Friday 22 October 2004.

The CPSU's Evan Hall said: "Customs Officers are dedicated and professional. They deeply regret the fact that some members of the public may be inconvenienced by this action, but the fact is we have been left with no other option. Over the last six months we have tried talking, negotiation, protests, petitions and letter-writing. It seems Customs management just don't want to listen."

Negotiations between the CPSU and Customs broke down earlier this week. The current Customs certified agreement covering around 4,800 staff expired on 30 September.

According to Mr Hall, the Customs service will remain "under-staffed and over-stretched" until the issue of staff remuneration is addressed.

 "Since 9/11, the work of Customs Officers has never been more important or more challenging. We need a pay rise that will allow the agency to easily attract and retain highly skilled Officers. Right now our Customs frontline is at least 140 staff short and positions are not being filled because the pay is not up to scratch," added Mr Hall.

A recent CPSU survey of Customs Officers showed:

• 30% of Officers are actively planning to leave Customs because of concerns about low pay
• 75% of Officers are finding it hard to support their families on their current salary.

For comment: Evan Hall, 0407 284 090
For background: Rupert Evans, 0408 223 025
More info: www.cpsu.org.au/campaigns/Customs/

Rally and media photo opportunity: Fri, 22 Oct

For further information

Contact:	Evan Hall
Union:	0407 284 090
Phone:	Dermot Browne
Contact Mobile:	0408 265 081

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