Sydney Airport Security Workers Strike Over Job Stability

Hundreds of security workers employed by Certis Group conducted two four-hour strikes at Sydney Airport's domestic and international terminals on Friday, October 16, 2026. The industrial action took place from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. following the collapse of bargaining talks.

Represented by the Transport Workers Union, the employees are demanding an increase in full-time positions, fairer rostering, and an end to proposed cuts of six minimum hours per week. Union National Secretary Michael Kaine claimed that Sydney Airport has pressured Certis to the point of turning secure roles into unstable "scraps of gig work."

Certis Group denied these claims and expressed disappointment that the union proceeded with the strikes despite a fresh offer made on Thursday. While the company stated it remains committed to negotiating in good faith, the union has called on Sydney Airport to intervene in the dispute to improve pay and conditions, despite the airport operator not being a direct party to the negotiations.

Sydney Airport advised passengers to allow extra travel time and monitor airline messages due to expected delays resulting from the walk-offs.