United Voice News
Qantas screener breakthrough will protect security standards
Christmas travellers can breathe easier after Qantas and Jetstar screeners this afternoon reached an agreement with their employer, security contractor MSS Security that will see industrial action planned from Tuesday cancelled.
At crisis talks held this afternoon, MSS Security agreed to withdraw its controversial proposal to create ‘part-time casuals’ at Melbourne and Avalon airports.
If introduced, the proposal would have undermined job security, slashed pay and forced many experienced, properly-trained screeners out of the industry.
The agreement also includes a pay increase of 13.5 percent over three years, ensuring security screeners can keep up with rising costs of living.
Jess Walsh, State Secretary of LHMU, the security union, said screeners and other Qantas and Jetstar security staff are relieved common sense finally prevailed.
“This is a great win for screeners, security staff and the travelling public.”
“Qantas and Jetstar security staff never wanted to take industrial action. They take their jobs very seriously.”
“They are extremely pleased the public has been spared that unnecessary inconvenience and that common sense finally prevailed.”
“If we want to ensure our skies and airports are secure we need experienced screeners to stay in this industry — we need stable, secure jobs.”
“That’s what this agreement delivers.”
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.
Gamal Gharib