AI, unpredictable rosters and low pay: What is driving the Sydney airport security strike?

Security workers at Sydney Airport have gone on strike during peak travel hours, bringing concerns over wages, job security, unpredictable working hours and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in airport operations into focus.

According to a report by Nine, employees working for airport security contractor Certis staged two three-hour stoppages on Friday (October 30), from 5am to 8am and 4.30pm to 7.30pm. 

The action followed workers rejecting the company’s latest pay offer after months of negotiations over wages and employment conditions.

However, the dispute extends beyond pay. Workers are also seeking more predictable rosters, stronger employment protections and assurances that technological changes will not put their jobs at risk.

The United Workers Union (UWU), which represents the security staff, said employees were increasingly concerned about the impact of AI, surveillance technologies and automation on their roles.

The union is seeking commitments from Certis to protect jobs as airport security operations evolve. 

It argues that workers carrying out essential safety functions need greater certainty about how technology will affect their responsibilities and employment prospects.

Carl Ratana, Property Services Coordinator at the United Workers Union said, “Our members' jobs are critical to keeping Sydneysiders safe at the airport. Their skills ensure that no life-threatening or dangerous items end up on planes.”

“Their demands are simple – job security against AI automation, real roster reform and a pay rise that reflects the fact they live in one of the most expensive cities in the world,” Ratana added.

The concerns reflect a wider challenge for workers in sectors adopting automation. 

While technology can change how tasks are carried out, employees are seeking clarity on whether these changes will lead to new responsibilities, reduced hours or fewer jobs.

Alongside concerns about automation, workers have raised issues around inconsistent working hours and roster arrangements.

The union said unpredictable rosters were making it difficult for employees to manage their income and personal commitments. 

Workers are seeking more stable schedules that provide greater certainty over their working hours.

The issue is particularly significant in Sydney, where employees are facing rising living costs. 

The union argues that the latest pay proposal does not adequately reflect the cost of living in one of Australia's most expensive cities.

The combination of uncertain working hours and wage pressures has become a central part of the dispute, with employees seeking conditions that offer greater financial stability.

The negotiations have also stalled over the union's demand for an industry-wide ‘Airport Standard’. 

The proposed standard aims to establish minimum pay and employment conditions for airport security and cleaning workers, bringing them in line with conditions at other major airports.

According to the UWU, the standard would prevent contractors from competing for airport service contracts by reducing wages and employment conditions.

The union said workers could face renewed uncertainty whenever airport contracts change, particularly if a new contractor takes over services. 

It is seeking consistent employment standards to protect workers from changes in pay and conditions linked to contract arrangements.

The industrial action affected security screening, baggage checks, body scanning and security monitoring at Sydney Airport.

Nine reported that the airport had arranged additional staff to cover affected shifts, although it warned that industrial action could still cause disruption. 

Early morning security queues remained relatively light, with estimated waiting times of up to five minutes at the international and domestic terminals shortly after 6am.

Airlines also advised passengers to allow additional time for security checks. 

The dispute highlights the employment pressures facing airport security workers as the industry navigates technological change, contractor arrangements and rising operating costs. 

For employees, the negotiations are about securing not only better pay but also predictable working conditions and a clearer picture of how their jobs may change as AI becomes more widely used.