Airport security workers abandon strike

12:31, Jul 14 2016
Airport security staff have abandoned plans to strike in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch from July 20.
DEAN KOZANIC/FAIRFAX NZ
Airport security staff have abandoned plans to strike in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch from July 20.

Airport security workers have abandoned plans for a strike timed to cause disruption for school holiday travellers.

New Zealand's Aviation Security Service (Avsec) reached an agreement with two unions to avoid the strikes set to take place at the end of the month. 

The industrial action was over a pay dispute. Airline Pilots Association president Tim Robinson said the proposed lock-out could significantly lower New Zealand's aviation security defences and may result in a period of vulnerability. 

Urgent mediation was held on Wednesday in Auckland with representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority, Avsec, and the board working out a "reasonable" deal with PSA and Etu union officials, Avsec said in a statement. 

READ MORE:
* Unions head to court over lockout threat
* Warning striking airport staff could be locked out
* School holiday travel chaos - Government to step in?
* 'Significant disruption' ahead as aviation security staff vote to strike

Unions agreed to withdraw from the action and Avsec management agreed to withdraw their lock-out notice to enable unions to formally ratify the pay offer with their members.

This is expected to take four to five weeks.

Avsec said more information will be available on Friday.