United Voice

Guards will call for an industry-wide pay increase of five percent a year, warning that unless pay improves even more experienced guards will abandon this vital industry.

“Every day, security guards go to work aware that they could be assaulted, seriously injured, or even killed, just to keep the public safe,” says Jess Walsh, Victorian Secretary of United Voice, the Security Union.

Research shows that while guards are just as likely to suffer injuries and fatalities as police officers, they are more likely to be injured severely in the line of duty.

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 “Guards know they have a dangerous job, but as the cost of living soars they find it harder and harder to justify the enormous personal risks they must take to earn so little,” she says.

More than half of guards had suffered a major assault while on duty, while a minor assault was a reality for more than two-thirds. The research found that nearly all guards face abuse, threats and intimidation.

The report found that low pay is driving a labour crisis in the industry, with turnover at Victorian workplaces running at an average of 42% each year.

Security Failure: Click here to read the revealing report

 “This industry has reached crisis point because more and more guards are saying the risk is just too great for a little over $600 a week,” she said.

“Would you put your life on the line for $600 a week?”

Guards representing 80 percent of Victoria’s security industry last night met at Trades Hall to endorse the Safeguard 2011 Campaign to professionalise the security industry, and are demanding annual pay increases and a portable long-service leave program.

“Guards now play a key role in counter-terrorism and crime-prevention. Who will do this vital work if the industry loses any more of its experienced guards?”

Guards also now do many of same tasks as police — and outnumber police officers by almost two to one, reveals research contained in a new United Voice report called Security Failure: Preventing Another 9/11.

“In the past decade, the world of security has changed and guards have been asked to take on the roles that were once reserved for police,” Walsh says. “That means they are facing dangers that were once reserved for police.”

“Now guards are screening for weapons and explosives at airports, they are keeping soldiers and weapons safe at Defence bases, they are protecting our embassies, courts and parliaments — all places where terrorism and crime are very real risks.”

“And the fact that guards far outnumber police means you’re more likely to encounter security guards than police officers each day — and you’re more likely to depend on them for your safety and protection,” Walsh says.

Guards from Victoria’s four largest security companies are involved in the Safeguard 2011 Campaign, which includes MSS Security, ISS Security, Wilson Security and G4S.

Further info:  Adam Cathro, United Voice, Media Officer, 0413 239 665

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