United Voice

They are urgently calling on Qantas and Jetstar to talk sense into airline security contractor, MSS, and avoid massive delays for Christmas holiday-makers.

“Screeners are preparing to take industrial action because a ‘flexibility clause’ proposed by MSS will slash wages, play havoc with their lives and force many to abandon aviation security,” said Jess Walsh, State Sec of LHMU, the security union.

“Screeners don’t want to inconvenience the public. They are urgently calling on Qantas and Jetstar to talk sense into their security contractor, MSS.”

Screeners say the pay cut flies in the face of a major government report this year that warned low pay was driving a ‘critical’ shortage of experienced screeners.

Every day highly-trained screeners at Tullamarine and Avalon confiscate countless knives and other prohibited items, helping passengers safely reach their destination.

A ballot count of these MSS security staff this morning is expected to confirm their right to take industrial action, which will commence on Tuesday. 

Ms Walsh warned security on Qantas and Jetstar flights will be weakened if experienced screeners leave the industry.

“MSS screeners and other security staff safeguard the lives of thousands of passengers each day, confiscating countless knives and other prohibited items.”

“Earlier this year the Federal Government sent a clear message to the aviation industry: address the labour crisis among airport screeners.”

“This report found screeners have high-level skills and training, do demanding jobs but are badly paid and this is untenable.”

“Screeners take home as little as $600 a week. Now MSS want to cut their wages and make their working lives more insecure.”

“If we want to ensure our skies and airports are secure we need experienced screeners to stay in this industry — that means offering fair wages and job security.”

“Whatever happens, screeners will ensure that passengers’ safety is not put at risk.”

The Department of Transport April 2009 report warned demand for screeners would escalate as passenger movements though Australian airports doubled by 2025-26.

Screening officers must complete extensive specialist training in the use of sophisticated screening technology, prior to commencing employment.

Screeners face constant performance testing. This includes detecting computer-generated images of weapons or explosive devices that appear randomly inside bags, as well as detecting inspectors carrying concealed weapons.

Qantas and Jetstar’s screeners earn as little as $18 an hour and are calling for a five percent pay increase. They have been trying to resolve this dispute since October.