United Voice News
Glad tidings for Victoria's security industry
Victoria’s security industry took another step towards professional standards, when one more major contractor signed on to pay rates of between 4 and 5 percent above the Award last week.
NSW-based Glad Group became the latest to sign on to LHMU’s Victorian Security Industry Standard Pay Rate, taking the combined number to five major contractors.
The LHMU Industry Standard now covers 80 percent of the Victorian static security market and includes Victoria’s biggest contractors, including ISS Security, Wilson Security, MSS Security and G4S.
“For years, service and employment standards in this industry have been in freefall as contractors undercut each other to win new contracts or defend existing ones,” said Ben Redford, LHMU Assistant Secretary.
“But now, security officers and quality contractors, like the Glad Group, are working together to reverse this destructive race to the bottom.”
“Our Industry Standard delivers fairer wages, which allows these contractors to retain experienced, properly-trained guards in the industry.”
“Guards also benefit from enhanced job security. A contract change may only mean a change of uniform — not a pay cut or losing of all your leave entitlements.”
“Clients also now have a clear choice. They can choose these major contractors who have committed to higher standards and industry reform or cowboy contractors, some with links to organised crime and other unlawful activities.”
The Industry Standard safeguards key Award conditions that disappeared through the Award modernisation process, including:
- Payment of shift penalties on all hours worked during a shift
- Preservation of various allowances and entitlements like accident make-up pay and the Supplementary Incremental Payment Scheme (SIPS) for guards working at Victorian Government sites.
The Industry Standard recognises the vital role of union
delegates: It includes paid union training leave, access to new
employee inductions, a streamlined process for payment of union fees
and time for union delegates to do their job at work.
Security
contractors who have signed up to this standard are able to provide a
better standard of security services to clients, including:
- A streamlined process for avoiding and resolving disputes
- Providing staff with proper training
- Greater recognition for the value of the work performed by these highly-trained professionals, by paying above-Award pay rates.
Thousands of LHMU Security Union members are now gearing up to
renegotiate the Industry Standard Agreement, which expires on 30 June
2011.
Jim Iveson LHMU Delegate Gold Coast Airport (ISS Security)