Fed: Govt warns of Christmas air travel delays

AAP General News (Australia)
12-19-2001
Fed: Govt warns of Christmas air travel delays

CANBERRA, Dec 19 AAP - People travelling on planes during the Christmas holiday season
should expect delays as a result of extra security measures at airports, the federal government
said today.

Passengers will not be able to carry sharp objects such as small knives, scissors and
knitting needles, on planes.

Transport Minister John Anderson urged travellers to support extra security moves while
also warning unions not to add to any holiday delays.

"I am confident that Australia's air travellers recognise that the world is no longer
the same since September 11 and there is a need for this heightened security," Mr Anderson
said in a statement.

"Australia has a magnificent record in this area and we intend maintaining that record."

But, he said, it would be regrettable if union industrial action added to delays or
threatened security in any way.

"It is also important that the travelling public recognises that this industrial action
relates to a claim for a 20 per cent pay rise," he said.

"This claim should be worked through the appropriate channels, not by snap strikes
at airports which serve only to delay passengers from reaching their destinations."

The Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union (LHMU) today said trying to
detect knives and guns and bombs through ageing X-ray equipment at Canberra Airport was
like trying to look through a dirty windscreen while driving at 100 kilometres an hour
down a highway.

The union is engaged in a national campaign to improve security equipment and conditions
at Australia's airports, particularly in the regions.

AAP lm/daw/ph

KEYWORD: AIRPORTS

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