More security strikes loom for Sydney Airport

“Sydney Airport is making record profits but refusing to invest it in the workforce keeping the travelling public safe – instead, it’s telling companies like Certis to cut wages and conditions or lose their contract,” said TWU national secretary Michael Kaine.

“These workers are stepping up to rebuild decent jobs in their industry and call for an end to contracts going to the cheapest bidder.

“It is critical to hundreds of workers, and millions of travellers relying on them, that Sydney Airport stops squeezing workers for profit, and provides these workers with the job security they need to continue doing this vital work.

“It is unacceptable that the workers we rely on to get people safely through the airport are threatened with having their hours cut and rosters being constantly changed.”

According to TWU NSW state secretary Richard Olsen, the airport has “spent years smashing [the workers’] conditions and keeping contracts in limbo so it can fatten its bottom line”.

“These workers have already been forced to take strike action last month, and unless crisis talks result in a decent offer, they will be forced to again on Friday,” he said.

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“After standards have fallen dangerously low from years of cost cutting by Sydney Airport, these workers are simply asking for more full-time jobs and rosters that aren’t changing by the hour.

“How can these workers get mortgages, fulfil caring responsibilities and take care of families if their hours are further cut, or when their shifts can change around at a whim? If they don’t stand up for these basic rights, we’ll continue to see service standards decline for passengers.

“Anyone who’s parked at Sydney Airport won’t be shocked that it’s raking in profits. Sydney Airport needs to urgently step in here and fund decent standards for Certis workers providing this critical service to the travelling public.”

Australian Aviation understands the current enterprise negotiations are between employees, the TWU and Certis, with Sydney Airport not a party to them; contingency measures are being prepared, including extra baggage staff and passenger facilitation staff.

“We are aware of Friday’s industrial action by the TWU and Certis employees at the airport and are working closely with all parties to minimise disruption and maintain passenger safety,” an airport spokesperson said.

“We recommend passengers travelling on Friday allow extra time and stay alert for messages from their airline. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the situation evolves.”

Emergency talks are scheduled for Thursday.