Issue No 112 | 21 September 2001 | |
NewsTougher Safety Legacy of TragedyBy 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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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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