United Voice News
Chubb Guards say to the Workplace Ombudsman: "Pursue our $300,000 underpayment or we will knock, and ring and tap until you do"
Chubb Security Officers and their supporters today launch a 48 hour phone, e-mail and fax blitz of the Office of the Workplace Ombudsman protesting the Office's lack of action in pursuing Chubb Security for underpayments in overtime worth $312,500.
The LHMU expects the Office of the Workplace Ombudsman will be inundated with calls, faxes and e-mails asking why the Ombudsman is taking so long to bring this underpayment before the Federal Court.
A delegation of ACT Security Officers met with Bob McMullan MP in April this year order to raise their concerns about the extensive delay in the recovery of approximately $312,500 in underpaid wages.
The 125 security officers make their livelihoods by protecting government buildings from intrusion and theft. They feel disgusted that Chubb Security has left them out of pocket by an average of approximately $2,500 each.
The day after the meeting with Mr McMullan, the Workplace Ombudsman put out a press release saying they were investigating the claims. However, the guards lodged their claims with the Ombudsman 12 months ago and cannot understand why they have not been filed in the Federal Court.
Chris Peisley, one of the guards who is still owed money and who attended the meeting with Bob McMullen, will be participating in the blitz. Mr Peisley says “I will contact the Ombudsman as many times as I can over the next two days. I know hundreds of others will do the same. We are fed up about the lack of action and we are worried that once the Chubb sale goes through our money may never be recovered. Why is Chubb getting such favourable treatment?”
“The delays in this matter are unacceptable. The guards are relying on the Office of the Workplace Ombudsman but haven't received any explanations as to why the Office has not done more to recover the monies that are owed,” said Lyndal Ryan, ACT Branch Secretary.
