United Voice

In this issue:

1. Fighting back

2. Another pay rise for airport guards

3. Unsung heroes of 9/11



Dear member,

Across our industry members are standing together, no matter what, to win respect and fair pay.

We have shown time and time again that we are united and determined to make security a professional industry.

Like the thousands of members working for Serco at immigration detention centres. They are united across Australia in a fight to protect their current conditions as they bargain for a new union agreement.

They are refusing to be pushed backwards and say they won’t give up until they win an agreement that rewards them for the incredibly tough job that they do.

You will also read in this e-news about security members at Melbourne Airport. ISS members have just received the last pay rise of their 2010 union agreement.

While they celebrate healthier bank accounts they are also making sure their site is ready for battle next year, when their agreement expires and they bargain for a new one.

They know that unity is key to showing employers that our union is a powerful force – and that our vision of a professional security industry is one we will keep fighting for until we win.


In unity,

United Voice, the Security Union

Fighting back

Serco members stand up to attacks on their working conditions.

Over 2000 Serco security officers, who work at Australia’s immigration detention centres, have begun negotiations for a new nationwide union agreement.

Members are pushing for a fairer and safer work environment. They are also fighting off an attack to current conditions, especially transport and escort allowances.

“No one should have to reduce their working conditions under any circumstances,” said Alice Masters, delegate at Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre.

“Negotiations are meant to be about going forward with pay and conditions, not backwards,” agreed fellow Maribyrnong delegate, Kerry Humphreys.

Amy says, with the constant media attention and political sensitivity, it can be a tough job and Serco should be rewarding its employees, not disrespecting them.

“You can see in the news some of the tough situations that we have to deal with and often we don’t have the right support from management.”

But Kerry says members are prepared to hold the line, no matter what.

“We’ll do whatever it takes to protect our conditions — we are not prepared to lose what we have fought for over the years.”

“We are absolutely united and we know that even interstate with all the other centres, everyone is united.”

There are six delegates representing members across Australia in negotiations with the company.

Another pay rise for airport guards

Members determined to remain Australia’s highest paid aviation security officers.

Over 400 ISS Security officers working at Melbourne Airport are enjoying fatter pay packets after receiving the second pay rise of their 2010 union agreement.

“There’s a good feeling on site; everyone is happy about the pay rise,” said delegate Christine Aicken.

“People want to join the union because they see what our union can do, what power it has.”

The pay increase, which is the final of their two-year agreement, places members thousands of dollars a year ahead of the Award.

“It gives you more breathing space; it makes it a bit easier when you fill up at the petrol station,” said Christine (pictured).

And they are the highest paid aviation guards in Australia, along with MSS Security officers also working at Melbourne airport.

Members working for both contractors will negotiate new union agreements next year and Christine says ISS members will be ready.

“Management will see that we are willing to work together and do what we have to — and that we are a force to be reckoned with.”

MSS Security officers will receive the final pay increase of their current union agreement in December. And delegate Cameron Greenaway says they are preparing members for next year’s negotiations. 

“We want to get members knowledgeable on what the issues are and how they affect them personally — to get them more involved in the lead up to next year.”

Unsung heroes of 9/11

When terrorists struck the Twin Towers it was security officers who were first at the scene.

With the 10-year anniversary of September 11 earlier this month, United Voice members reflected on the loss of 42 brave security officers who died on that fateful day.

On the morning of the tragic attack it was security officers who were first to help evacuate the thousands trapped in the Twin Towers as emergency services were still racing to the scene.

By the end of the day 42 security officers had lost their lives.

“As always, it was the security guards who were first hands on,” said United Voice security member, Dave Logie, who works in a major Melbourne office tower.

“They rushed to help and try to control the situation and as a result 42 of these heroes died.”

But their stories of strength and courage were almost lost.

“It took four years before New York’s city council paid tribute to these guards with a memorial service.”

“What does that say about how valued our industry is?” asked Dave (pictured).

Dave says the world needs to understand the value of security officers and their role in keeping the community safe.

“Police, fire and ambulance officers are always recognised for their work in a tragic situation, shouldn’t security officers be up there with them?”

“We have a great deal of responsibility and we are there first when there is trouble yet we are completely undervalued.”

“That’s why it is so important that we fight in our union for the recognition and respect that we deserve.”