Around 2,000 University of Sydney staff stage walkout over AI and job security

In the wake of a 24-hour strike deal, about 2,000 University of Sydney staff walked out on Wednesday, driven by distrust in the university and fears over AI deployment, workload equity and job security. Around 500 picketers were positioned at each campus gate from early morning, displaying flags and megaphones, as the university shifted nearly all scheduled classes to online delivery. Union representatives argued that senior leaders, including the provost, have ignored repeated calls for robust AI safeguards, warning that higher education is a bellwether for the wider economy.

The action also reflects wider sector anxieties such as expanding class sizes, proposals for research-free teaching positions, and recent limits on campus protests. Student representatives joined in solidarity, condemning what they called “draconian” protest rules. Despite campus security and police presence, the picket lines maintained a festive atmosphere, with music, drums and fundraising baked-goods sales.