11 December 2025
| WHAT | Protected industrial action by Canberra Airport security officers |
| WHEN | From 5am Friday 12 December 2025 |
| WHERE | Canberra Airport |
United Workers Union security officers at Canberra Airport will proceed with protected industrial action from 5am tomorrow (EDS: Friday), after MSS Security issued and then hastily corrected a notice that misled and intimidated workers ahead of lawful action.
Earlier today (EDS: Thursday), MSS circulated a notice implying workers could face broad pay cuts and punitive consequences for taking protected industrial action. Following UWU intervention, MSS was forced to issue a correction.
While the correction was necessary, the damage is done. Workers say the initial communication was a clear attempt to discourage lawful action by creating fear and uncertainty.
Workers will not be deterred; security officers have notified a series of rolling 15-minute stoppages from 5am – 6am and 7am – 8am tomorrow. The action will proceed as planned.
Lyndal Ryan, United Workers Union property services director, said:
“MSS may have walked back its claims, but the message was clear: they tried to intimidate Canberra Airport security officers for exercising their workplace rights.
“Our members keep one of the country’s key airports safe. They should never be subjected to inaccurate, threatening communications designed to shut down legitimate industrial action.
“Our members won’t be intimidated into stepping back from their rights. The action will proceed from 5am, and we expect MSS to conduct itself responsibly and respectfully throughout.”