Passengers warned as double strike action hits Sydney Airport

Passengers through Sydney Airport this morning will face a double dose of industrial action as Qantas workers and security staff walk off the job.

Up to 400 security staff throughout the airport downed tools at 7.30am and won’t return to work until 9.30am.

The strike is a call for better pay and job security.

Sydney Airport has urged passengers this morning to allow extra travel time and prepare for delays and disruptions.

While the security strike is airport-wide, a second 24-hour strike involving Qantas ground staff will also take place.

The Transport Workers Union said Qantas freight workers and QantasLink workers wanted pay and job security to be in line with industry standards, and for work groups to be consolidated under one banner.

“This is to send a message to Qantas and to Sydney Airport that all those millions that are getting in profit, they need a bit back here for fair pay, for secure jobs, so these workers can support themselves and their families,” TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said as he stood with the strikers this morning.

“It’s not a hard equation.”

Qantas said it did not anticipate the ground workers’ strike would interrupt services or cause delays for passengers.

Kaine said any disruption could be laid at the feet of Sydney Airport and Qantas.