LHMU - UNION ACTIVE

The outcome increases the pressure on Qantas to tell its contractor MSS Security to back down on a plan to push through before Christmas sweeping changes to the jobs of screeners at Melbourne and Avalon airports.

Screeners were set to notify MSS Security later this afternoon that they will commence industrial action from next Tuesday morning.

Highly-trained screeners are incensed by moves by MSS Security to create a pool of insecure ‘part-time casual’ screeners and are calling on Qantas to pull its contractor into line.

“MSS is trying to push though before Christmas sweeping changes to the jobs of aviation screeners,” said Jess Walsh, State Secretary of LHMU, the Security Union.

“MSS wants to create a pool of part-time casual screeners at Melbourne and Avalon airports who will have to call in each Friday to find out if they have got enough shifts to pay to the rent.” 

“This move by MSS comes as the federal government launches its Aviation White Paper calling for more training and tighter certification standards for screeners to help make Australia a world leader in aviation security.”

“Yet MSS seems determined undermine these plans and drive out of the industry committed, experienced and properly-trained screeners.”

“That’s why screening staff have voted so overwhelmingly to take industrial action from Tuesday morning.”

“If we want to ensure our skies and airports are secure we need experienced screeners to stay in this industry — that means offering stable, secure jobs.”

“Screeners don’t want to inconvenience the public. They are urgently calling on Qantas to tell is contractor MSS to back down, and spare the travelling public this unnecessary inconvenience.”

“MSS screeners and other security staff safeguard the lives of thousands of passengers each day, confiscating countless knives and other prohibited items.”

“Whatever happens, screeners will ensure that passengers’ safety is not put at risk.”

A Department of Transport April 2009 report warned demand for screeners would escalate as passenger movements though Australian airports doubled by 2025-26.

Screening officers must complete extensive specialist training in the use of sophisticated screening technology, prior to commencing employment.

Screeners face constant performance testing. This includes detecting computer-generated images of weapons or explosive devices that appear randomly inside bags, as well as detecting inspectors carrying concealed weapons.

Qantas and Jetstar’s screeners earn as little as $18 an hour and are calling for a five percent pay increase. They have been trying to resolve this dispute since October.