
Issue No 112		21 September 2001

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News

Tougher Safety Legacy of Tragedy

By Andrew Casey

LHMU Security Union members have won a battle for new stringent security conditions for workers transporting cash and other valuables in non-armoured cars.

" Too often big security companies have made their profits on the backs of our members by sub-contracting out the mobile security work to individuals, and companies who cannot provide adequate security and safety for their workers," LHMU Security Union NSW Secretary, Annie Owens, said .

" Cut-throat competition in the security industry has forced standards down and increased the danger for our members.

" This new Award for security industry cash transport workers will put a firm floor, and safety base, under all security contracts, stopping undercutting by competing security firms."

More jobs

There are more than 33, 000 security guards working in Australia - one-third of them in NSW.

" The new Award won by the LHMU Security Union will create more security jobs, and a demand for experienced, licensed security officers.

" Already major security firms, expecting these Award changes, have begun advertising," Annie Owens said.

The Award handed down today by Justice Marks was the result of the tragic death of a Chubb security guard involved in the collection of a large sum of cash.

The guard killed at Punchbowl was a sub-contractor to Chubb, using his own vehicle and collecting large amounts of cash on his own with very little real security.

National implications

" These new standards will force the big security companies to employ more people to provide adequate workplace security.

" Though the Award is NSW-based it will have national implications.

" The LHMU Security Union has been lobbying all State Governments for improved health and safety for our members - this Award will strengthen our arguments for improve safety minimums for all Australian workers in the security industry."

Key elements of the new Award:

· Adequate security assessments done prior to work performed transporting cash and other valuables in a 'soft skin' vehicle. This assessment will determine whether it is safe to complete a job in a non-armoured vehicle.

· Ensures adequate communication such as back to base radio or mobile, routine variation in delivery/pick up times and routes.

· Employers shall supply firearms, personal duress alarms, a drop-safe in the interior of the vehicle.

· ATM work performed by not less than 2 employees subject to an adequate security assessment.

· Provides an improved role for the union to represent workers and stop any security work if there is concern about proper assessment and health and safety

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  Issue 112 contents

Interview: Exit Interview
Michael Costa looks back at his 14 years with the Labor Council to chart the highs, the lows and the bits in between.

Parliament: Opening Salvo
In his Maiden Speech, delivered this week, Costa gave vent to his views on immigration, Marx, globalisation and mental health.

Scandals: My Evil Twin
Co-conspirator and 'intellectual soulmate' Mark Duffy recounts the legendary 'Leaked Paper' Affair and how its predictions soon came to pass.

Politics: An Agent for Change
Former secretary Michael Easson argues that Costa was instrumental in redefining the factional balance in NSW in the wake of the Cold War.

Review: The Thoughts of Chairman MC
Neale Towart trawls the collected works of Michael Costa and looks at his love-hate affair with Marx.

Factions: Kyoto Sunset
Naomi Steer - the first left-winger to work at Labor Council in decades - recalls how she discovered the real Michael in a Karaoke lounge.

History: A Proud Tradition
Former Premier Barrie Unsworth argues Costa enters Parliament as the best qualified Labor Council leader ever to make the transition.

Psychology: The Man Behind the Mask
Costa's predecessor Peter Sams argues that behind the bluff facade lay a loyal and caring friend.

Seduction: Michael and Me
Chris Christodoulou recounts how Costa convinced him to cross the factional divide and take up residence in Sussex Street.

Satire: Ode to Leon
Long-time sparring partner, Peter Botsman submits this lyrical tribute to Costa's career.

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» Egan Faces Prod Over Maternity Rights

» Patricks Workers in Job Security Win

» Safety Fears Go Through the Roof

» Ragged Trousered Scientists

» Tougher Safety Legacy of Tragedy

» Stellar Drops Unionism Ban

» Paint Workers Hit With Injunctions

» Rort-Friendly Proposals Draw Fire

» More Sackings But 20,000 Faults To Fix

» Howard Erects More Voting Hurdles At Eleventh Hour

» Activists Notebook

» The Soapbox

» The Locker Room

» Trades Hall

» Tool Shed

» In Defence of Kiwis

» UK Unions Mourn Knox Loss

» Premature Analysis

» Belly's Turn

» Rally for Peace

» John Wayne is Dead

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