Agreement averts strikes by security staff at New Zealand airports

New Zealand airport security staff have called off a series of potentially disruptive strikes set for this month after unions agreed a pay deal, their employer the Aviation Security Service (Avsec) said Thursday.

An urgent top-level mediation meeting with representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority and Avsec and reached an agreement with the Public Service Association (PSA) and E Tu unions, said a statement from Avsec.

The unions would take the deal out to their members for ratification, which could take several weeks.

Unions had agreed to withdraw their strike action and injunction proceedings against Avsec effective immediately.

"We appreciate the continued professionalism and dedication to safety shown by our officers during this difficult time," director of Civil Aviation Graeme Harris said in the statement.

Travelers were warned earlier this month, they could face delays at the country's three biggest international airports after aviation security staff voted for industrial action in order to settle pay negotiations.

The unions had planned three three-hour strikes each at Auckland and Wellington airports and a ban on overtime and extra hours at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Endit