United Voice News
Guards pull off industry-wide coup: win wages 11% above Award
Wages for low-paid Victorian guards will rise to 11% above the Award by next year under an industry-wide deal reached with Victoria’s biggest security contractors.
The LHMU Security Union says the deal covering more than 2000 Victorians guards across Wilson, ISS, MSS and G4S represents a major breakthrough in its campaign to clean up Victoria’s troubled security industry.
“This is a major breakthrough for an industry that has been plagued by numerous scandals, including links to organised crime, bikie gangs and serious breaches of employment law,” said LHMU State Secretary Jess Walsh.
“For many years security contractors have been locked in a race to the bottom in service standards and employment practices, as they undercut each other to win contracts and defend their client base.”
“We believe this deal is a circuit-breaker. It paves the way for higher standards in the security industry.”
“Now we have all the biggest contractors offering fairer wages. This will help to keep experienced, properly-trained guards in the industry.”
“These guards have secured above-inflation pay increases at a time when most other workers received no safety net increase at all. They will be $2000 a year ahead of guards stuck on the Award.”
“Guards will also benefit from enhanced job security. Now a change of contract 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.”
“This deal is a major victory for security union members. They have fought hard over many years for a living wage. They have staged countless demonstrations and threatened strike action to achieve this deal.”
MSS security is the latest major contractor to pay LHMU Security Union Victorian Security Industry Standard Pay Rate.
MSS Security is Australia’s largest security contractor and provides security to numerous major clients including the MCG, major banks, CBD office towers and car manufacturers.
A ballot count confirmed MSS guards voted overwhelmingly in support of their union collective agreement which offers an 8.5 percent pay rise over two years.
Court guards employed by another major contractor G4S also recently struck an in-principle deal that also delivers an 8.5 percent pay increase over the next two years.
Guards at Wilson and ISS won equivalent pay increases in union agreements reached last year.
I look forward to seeing you all in the future, when again we go into battle.
Warren Hill
CBW Melbourne ISS Delegete.