Security screening staff at Sydney Airport, Australia's busiest airport, began strike action on Friday 16 October, Nine reported1. The Transport Workers' Union (TWU) says hundreds of security workers employed by the contractor Certis will stop work from 6am to 10am and again from 5pm to 9pm local time, across the domestic and international terminals2. Sydney Airport told passengers that industrial action by the union may cause disruption and advised them to check with their airline3.

What the screeners want

The union says the workers are asking for more full-time jobs, fairer rostering and no cuts to part-time hours2. TWU NSW state secretary Richard Olsen told Travel Weekly that some workers are rostered for between 20 and 32 hours a week, and that the outstanding claims also cover wage increases and job security provisions4. In the union's statement he said the workers were "simply asking for more full-time jobs, and rosters that aren't changing by the hour"2.

The TWU aims much of its criticism at the airport rather than only at Certis. It says repeated contract changes have become a race to the lowest bidder, that Certis workers were told earlier this year they could lose their jobs if Sydney Airport did not renew the company's contract, and it points to the airport's record aeronautical profit of AUD 584.3 million in 2024-252. TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said the airport was "telling companies like Certis to cut wages and conditions or lose their contract"2.

The enterprise bargaining itself is between Certis, its employees and the union, and Sydney Airport is not a party to it, Australian Aviation reported5. The airport said it was "working closely with all parties to minimise disruption and maintain passenger safety"4. Responding to the first strikes in September, a Certis spokesperson told ABC News the company was "committed to constructive bargaining" and that its Sydney Airport employees received pay and conditions "materially above those provided under the relevant industry award"6. Crisis talks were scheduled for Thursday 15 October2; no outcome had been announced, and the strike began on Friday morning1.

How passengers and airlines are affected

Sydney Airport has rostered extra staff in the baggage rooms and more passenger facilitation staff in the terminals15. Virgin Australia said screening would stay open during the stoppages but could run at reduced capacity. Guests booked to depart Sydney on 16 October may move to 15 or 17 October; on flights operated by Virgin Australia that is free of change fees and fare differences as long as the fare type stays the same7. Jetstar said customers departing from the international Terminal 1 and the domestic Terminal 2 could move to an available service between 15 and 17 October at no extra cost8. Asked about the impact, Olsen said: "There will be some delays. Some might be minor. Some might be longer"4.

This is not the first stoppage. On 24 September around 400 security staff walked off the job for two hours in the morning, ABC News reported; one passenger told the broadcaster she had been in line for about 30 minutes6. The Fair Work Commission had ordered a protected action ballot of Certis security officers at Sydney Airport on 17 September, the industrial relations news service On Notice reported9. Up to 50 Certis work safety officers, who close off the tarmac and airfield in the lead-up to the airport's night curfew, were also due to strike overnight from 28 September, according to the union10.

Why it matters for pilots and crews

Screening is not only a passenger issue. Australia's Department of Home Affairs says security screening is compulsory for anyone entering the secure area of an Australian airport terminal, and lists all aircrew and all airport workers among them11. Pilots and cabin crew reporting for duty in Sydney use the same screening points that are short of staff during the stoppages. The Australian Federation of Air Pilots has pushed for a risk-based "Trusted CrewPass" process for aircrew at domestic airports. In an update from July 2025 it reported that 65% of surveyed crew experienced operational delays because of screening and 77% reported frequent screening problems on duty12.

The dispute also comes days before Western Sydney International opens on 25 October13. Olsen told Travel Weekly the union wants the new airport to offer full-time jobs and long-term careers rather than relying heavily on part-time roles, while the magazine noted that it remains unclear whether the action at Sydney Airport will have any direct effect on the new airport4. Sydney Airport said it would keep monitoring the situation and provide updates as it evolves5. Passengers flying from Sydney on Friday are advised to allow extra time and to watch for messages from their airline57.