Australia's Community and Public Sector Union confirmed it will go ahead with its planned industrial action after last-minute talks with the federal government failed.

Quarantine staff will walk off the job for four hours at international airports from 6 a.m. tomorrow over stalled pay negotiations with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Passengers arriving at all major Australian airports should be prepared for delays.

According to the CPSU, DAFF management again refused to improve its current 3 percent pay offer.

CPSU National Secretary Nadine Flood said it was clear that the federal government’s 3 percent pay cap on public sector agreements is preventing departments from having genuine negotiations with staff.

“Despite our best attempts today, discussions failed to resolve the pay issue.

“We would urge people collecting inbound international passengers tomorrow morning to factor possible delays into their plans,” Ms Flood said.

The industrial action is also expected to impact on other DAFF services including cargo inspections, the release of imported goods and x-ray screening of international mail.

“Taking protected action is a last resort for DAFF staff, but we have been driven to this by the lack of progress on negotiations, and the refusal of the federal government to offer a pay deal that will not leave staff worse off after three years,” said Flood.

Friday’s protected action is part of growing dissatisfaction within the public service about the way the federal government is handling pay negotiations.

“Unless there is a change of attitude from the government, and a move to genuine bargaining, then we are likely to see more industrial action,” Flood said.