United Voice News
Airport victory sets new industry benchmark
Security members at Melbourne Airport fly high after winning a tough battle with ISS.
ISS members are celebrating after threatened strike action helped them land a breakthrough union agreement that sets a new benchmark for their industry.
Members won a nine percent pay increase over two years, back-paid to July. They are the best paid aviation guards in the country and next year full-timers will earn $58,000 or more.
“Finally, professional wages: this is what our skills and experience deserve,” beamed delegate Steve Lunn.
“Everyone’s really excited about the wage increase; it is going to be a huge financial relief.”
Members won a stack of other improvements including gender appropriate uniforms and transparency on area transfers.
But their win did not come without a fight.
ISS tried to push through unfair sick leave requirements and held out on pay. But they were no match for the unionised site.
A 97% vote in favour of strike action forced ISS to back down.
“It sent management a very strong message that the members need to be heard,” said delegate Rob Smith.
“We won because we stayed strong and stuck together as a team working toward the same goal.”
Delegates from MSS, Wilson and other ISS sites helped airport members to victory — encouraging them with success stories from last year’s state-wide struggle.
“It gives all of us a tremendous boost,” said member organiser and MSS delegate Shane Bennetto.
“Next year we bargain for the ‘big four’ union agreement — the airport win paves the way for what we can achieve across the industry,”
LHMU Victorian Secretary Jess Walsh congratulated members on their fantastic achievement.
“This is a massive win for the security industry. ISS crumbled under the pressure of a united and determined membership, ready to take industrial action.”
“Now these members can enjoy professional wages and conditions that show real recognition and respect for their skills, experience and commitment.”
