Major delays are expected to affect travel through Sydney Airport on Friday.
Hundreds of security screening staff will walk off the job for a total of eight hours in both domestic and international terminals.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Delays expected as Sydney Airport staff strike
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The first strike period is from 6am to 10am, and the second strike period is from 5pm to 9pm.
“Industrial action by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) today may cause disruptions at the airport,” the Sydney Airport website warns travellers.
“Please check with your airline for the latest updates on your flight.”
No major delays were noticable at the aiport as of 8am, with five-minute security wait times listed for T1 and T2, and a 15 minute security wait time for T3.
Delays are expected at Sydney Airport as hundreds of security workers strike on Friday. Credit: 7NEWS
Failed “crisis bargaining talks” on Thursday between private security contractor Certis and the union, has led TWU to continue its industrial action to demand improved pay, job security and working conditions.
“Hundreds of Certis security workers at Sydney Airport will strike across domestic and international terminals on Friday, demanding job security, more full-time positions, fairer rostering and an end to cuts to part-time hours,” TWU said.
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TWU claims the airport has been “squeezing workers” while making a profit of $584.3 million in the last financial year.
“Sydney security workers perform safety-critical work for the busiest airport in Australia, but Sydney Airport has spent years smashing their conditions and keeping contracts in limbo so it can fatten its bottom line,” TWU NSW State Secretary Richard Olsen said.
‘Allow extra time’
Sydney Airport said it has rostered on extra baggage staff and more staff to support passengers in terminals.
“We’re working closely with our airport partners to minimise disruption and maintain passenger safety today,” a Sydney Airport spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.
“We recommend passengers travelling today allow extra time and stay alert for messages from their airline.”
A Certis spokesperson said the security contractor is “disappointed” that its latest offer to employees was knocked back.
“The TWU has chosen instead to proceed with industrial action that affects the travelling public,” the Certis spokesperson said.
“Certis will continue to engage constructively with our workforce and is working closely with Sydney Airport on contingency arrangements. Our priority is to maintain aviation security, safety and regulatory compliance, and to minimise disruption to passengers.”
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