News

The Australian Services Union has warned that major airlines, banks, customs and other key services face meltdown this week as a result of IBM refusing to negotiate a collective agreement with employees.



Online banking, flight bookings and the weekly pay packet may all be affected from Wednesday when IBM technical support staff are expected to commence four hour rolling stoppages at the crisis centre in Baulkham Hills, also known as the 'Flightdeck'.



Members of the ASU voted unanimously in favour of industrial action following IBM's refusal to negotiate a collective agreement.



The employees maintain computer systems and critical infrastructure for major corporates including Qantas, Westpac and Cathay Pacific as well as essential government services including Medicare and Customs.



ASU Branch Secretary Sally McManus said some of IBM's clients would not be able to process anything online without running into problems, which the Flightdeck crew would usually be able to fix in a flash.



"Airport customers will face flight delays, billions of dollars may not be processed for Westpac and Customs won't be able to keep track of security checks, all because IBM refuses to talk to its employees," said Ms McManus.



"Everyone will be affected by this from Qantas passengers whose planes won't be on time, to Medicare customers whose payments may not go through."



Ms McManus said the vote reflects the feeling among workers that IBM has no interest in negotiating and has not been taking them seriously.



"This dispute is about workers' basic right to bargain collectively - and the obligation of employers to respect that right and enter meaningful negotiations.



"The employees at the IBM Flightdeck are frustrated that it has come to this and they can't believe how difficult IBM have made this process.



"IBM has so far refused to negotiate a collective agreement with their workers and I don't think their clients or the public will be too happy that it has come down to this," said Ms McManus.