Passengers travelling through Sydney Airport today have been warned to allow extra time for their journeys as two separate workforce strikes affect airport security and ground services. The industrial action began on Thursday, September 24, with security staff and ground-service employees taking part in stoppages over pay, working conditions, guaranteed hours and job security.

Around 400 security workers walked off the job for two hours during the morning following stalled negotiations with private security company Certis. Another two-hour stoppage has been planned for Thursday evening from 6pm, while further industrial action has also been scheduled for Monday, coinciding with the beginning of school holidays in New South Wales. Sydney Airport has advised passengers to arrive early and remain alert for messages from their airlines.

A separate 24-hour strike is also affecting ground-service employees working for Qantas freight subsidiary companies. The industrial action involves workers at Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth airports. Some baggage handlers working for Qantas Link at Sydney Airport are also participating. Workers involved in the dispute are seeking improved job security, more guaranteed working hours and higher wages.

The Transport Workers Union said the disputes had followed negotiations over employment conditions. Union representatives have raised concerns about workers receiving limited guaranteed hours and argued that airport jobs should provide more stable employment opportunities. The union also criticised the use of casual staff during the security stoppages, raising concerns about training and workplace arrangements.

Certis Security said it remained committed to constructive bargaining and stated that its employees at Sydney Airport receive pay and conditions above the relevant industry award. The company also said its pay rates are among the higher rates for comparable aviation security positions in Australia.

Qantas said it had contingency plans in place and did not expect the industrial action involving its freight-related subsidiaries to significantly disrupt most customer services. The airline said the affected employees do not service Qantas domestic or international flights, although some regional operations at Sydney are involved.

The strikes have nevertheless created longer queues for some passengers at Sydney Airport. Travellers have reported waiting in security lines, while airport and airline authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Passengers flying from Sydney today are being advised to check directly with their airline for the latest flight information, arrive earlier than usual and allow additional time for security and other airport processes. The situation is expected to remain relevant while the planned stoppages continue and negotiations between workers, employers and unions progress.

The industrial action highlights ongoing disputes within parts of Australia's aviation workforce over wages, guaranteed hours and employment conditions, while passengers face the immediate impact of longer processing times and possible delays at one of the country's busiest airports.