LHMU News
Guards pull off industry-wide coup
Victorian security members have had a massive victory in their campaign to win fairer wages, delegate rights and greater job security across the industry.
Members have won a single pay rate across the four biggest contractors that will rise to 11 percent above the Award by next year.
In separate deals, MSS and G4S members won an 8.5 percent pay increase over two years, in line with deals reached last year with Wilson and ISS.
The union agreements also all have a common expiry date so members will bargain together in 2011 as one strong united industry.
MSS and G4S members waged long, fierce battles that including countless demonstrations – and threats of strike action.
Members say the industry-wide deal is a real breakthrough.
"In the past the companies used to play us off against each other," said ISS delegate Dave Arthur.
"For the first time Victorian guards are united across our industry and we can bargain from a position of strength."
Members have also won greater security in their employment conditions.
"This means if one company loses the contract and it goes to another one, it just becomes like a shirt change to us. We don’t go backwards," Wilson delegate Wei Zhang said.
Members have also won respect for their union membership and the right to tell new guards about what they have achieved together and join them up to the union. Delegates have won the right to paid training, to develop a strong union voice on site.
Members say the key to victory was their courage and unity across contractors.
"We won because of our strength and unity within the union," said Shane Bennetto, an MSS delegate.
"Guards are now standing up and staying we’re not going to be treated like crap. We want respect and recognition."
"It also took a lot of noise-making outside buildings," adds Tracey King, a Wilson delegate who helped on the MSS and G4S campaigns.
Delegates are already focussed on 2011. They have formed a Delegates Council to prepare for bargaining as a strong, united industry.
"Ultimately we need a more professional standing. Guards need to be trained better. We need more respect. Then the client sees the value of what we do," said ISS delegate Robyn Olsen.
"We also need to get rid of the smaller companies that undercut companies on the union rate," she said.
"We need a bigger union membership. The more members we have, the bigger our voice," believes Dave Arthur.
"If we can negotiate with 100 percent we’ll be in a very strong position in 2011."
