United Voice

The survey comes as multinational security contractor MSS (formerly called Chubb) stands accused of obstructing moves to clean up an industry that is still trying to shake off a reputation for thuggery, of the type witnessed in the David Hookes incident.

MSS, Australia’s largest contractor, employs hundreds of Victorian officers at sites like the Cabrini Hospital, Monash University, 101 Collins St, Reserve Bank and the MCG.

At midday today security officers will march from Bourke St Mall through the city to demand MSS supports industry reform.

The LHMU Security Union’s online survey was concluded earlier this year with more than 150 Victorian security officers who say the industry is losing experienced, properly trained staff because of award wages of just $15.75 an hour and illegal flat rates even lower than that.

Officers surveyed also reported extensive use by cowboy contractors of casual and cash-in-hand jobs, sham subcontracting arrangements, unsafe staffing levels, poor health and safety practices and the flouting of government rules and regulations.

“In my 11-odd years I have been shot at twice, faced a samurai sword, steel bars, knuckle dusters and thousands of syringes in the hands of irate junkies … for a $15 per hour flat rate,” writes one officer.

“Security has always been a revolving door industry. Now there are a higher percentage of casuals … this will make it more difficult for the industry to become professional,” writes another officer.

Officers also called for greater training across the industry.

Last year two of the largest security contractors, Wilson and ISS, formed a partnership with the LHMU Security Union to clean up the industry through better jobs, improved training and by working together to stamp out cowboy contractors.

But this clean up effort is now threatened by MSS’s refusal to support the partnership.

MSS is also undermining efforts to improve security jobs and take wages out of competition for contracts so that professional, properly trained officers stay in the industry. 

MSS wants to cut evening shift allowance pay rates, which could see wages for plummet by around $100 a week. Evening shifts are the most dangerous for officers – who often face alcohol-fuelled violence – and it is vital professional, properly trained officers are on duty.

LHMU State Secretary Jess Walsh called on MSS to support industry reform.

“It’s time to clean up this industry and throw off its reputation for thuggery,” said Ms Walsh.

“Good jobs and better training will help us keep quality, professional officers in this industry.”

“But while two of the major contractors are working with us, the third - MSS - is working against these moves by trying to drive down wages.”

“We call on MSS to take the high road. Help us build an industry we can all be proud of.”

The LHMU estimates MSS has twice as many casual employees as the other two major contractors.

Download survey results factsheet