United Voice

Without properly trained guards, the upcoming AFL final series at the MCG would have to be cancelled due to health, safety and terrorism concerns.

The Grand Final has never been cancelled in the 113 year history of the competition.

MSS guards, who provide crowd control, entry point, ground and player security at the MCG, say their employer has been left them with no alternative but to strike during the finals series.

MSS, the country’s largest security contractor, pays guards as little as $16.12 an hour.

LHMU Security Union Assistant Secretary Ben Redford said MSS has been playing hardball with its guards.

“Guards are angry and upset that MSS’ ruthless stance could cause such serious disruption to the community. Guards do not want to go on strike but MSS is forcing them down this road,” Mr Redford said.

“For over six months guards have tried to negotiate with MSS for fair wages, in line with other major contractors, ISS and Wilson. But MSS has told guards they can stay on poverty wages.”

“MSS can save the footy finals, simply by putting a fair deal on the table for its low-paid guards.”

“This MSS strike not only threatens the footy finals, it threatens to wreak havoc across the state.”

“In Melbourne, major office towers, bank branches and data centres risk being shut down, petrol supplies could be restricted, and hospital closures could force sick patients to go home.”

“International student safety at La Trobe and Monash university campuses would be jeopardised. Victoria’s already tarnished reputation risks another battering if properly trained, experienced security guards are not on campus to ensure international student safety.”

Around the state, factories such as Mars Snackfoods in Ballarat and Ford and Holden in Geelong risk closure.

“With a MSS strike around the state, there would not be enough guards with the training, skills or site knowledge to ensure the safety of people and property at their sites,” Mr Redford said.

“When things go wrong, guards are the first on the scene to stop violence, to help people in distress, or to perform first aid. Yet these highly trained, skilled professionals, our first line of defence in emergency situations, are forced to struggle through life on unliveable wages.”

“Dodgy contractors are risking public and guard safety by ignoring health and safety laws, failing to meeting crowd control ratios and failing to provide proper training.”

“Security is a very dangerous job, with huge responsibility and poverty wages, it is no wonder guards are leaving the industry.”