
Issue No 118		02 November 2001

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

News

Airport Screeners Strike Over Work Value

By Andrew Casey

Security staff at Melbourne's Qantas and international airport have returned to work following an interim offer of a pay increase of between $24 and $26 a week - and an agreement for a new work value case - with an outcome before Christmas.

" This has been a frustratingly slow and long process forced on our membership by a rickety workplace relations act introduced by the Howard Government," Terry Breheny, Victorian Assistant Secretary said.

More than 170 LHMU Security Union members walked off the job on Wednesday to protest a decision by the full bench not to give them an award pay increase.

The union members agreed to a return-to-work following a day of intensive talks in the Industrial Relations Commission.

" Our members have returned to work as a sign of good faith.

" However they really are unhappy that workers who have such significant responsibilities, highlighted by the September 11 incidents, have to accept such low pay and interminable delays to fix up their very real pay problems."

The Industrial Relations Commission recommendation results in a pay increase of approximately 4% - with the opportunity for further increases from the work value case.

" This result is overdue. Chubb Security has dragged their heels for eight months now, despite the fact that airport security guards for Group 4 Securitas have been paid nearly 15% more for the same work since May last year.

Chubb has publicly acknowledged the value and responsibility of the work - and yet has not been prepared to pay for the skills," Terry Breheny said

The LHMU Airport Security Union has mounted a national campaign to deliver security to all Australian airports.

Details of the claim can be found by clicking here.

Read a couple of earlier stories about the Melbourne airport security workers' walk-out.

Melbourne airport screeners meet today after compulsory conference

Melbourne airport security guards 24-hour strike

CNN on airport security

The CNN web-page is currently running a series on airport security and the poor pay and working condition of US screeners. The issues in the USA are almost the same as in Australia, or the UK, or Europe.

You can read the 4-part CNN feature by clicking here.

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  Issue 118 contents

Interview: Flying High
ACTU Secretary Greg Combet on saving Ansett jobs, defeating Howard and wooing a new generation of unionists.

Corporate: Howard's List of Shame
ACTU President Shaharn Burrow runs through the litany of corporate collapses and down-sizes that have cut a swathe through the Australian community.

Campaign Diary: Week Four: The Battle Lines Drawn
It was a week that saw the leaders launch their campaigns, kiss lots of babies and battle for space with a Holy Jihad.

Industrial: Desperately Seeking Solutions
They might not call it 'industrial relations' in the spin of modern politics, but all the major parties have released plans that will affect the way we work over the next three years.

Economics: Manufacturing Prosperity
Neale Towart looks at the hidden debate of the election campaign - the degree of intervention government should take through Industry Policy.

History: War And Politics
The Conservatives are trying to wage war and win the election. The pundits say itďż˝s a tried and true recipe for electoral success. The 1940 federal poll suggests otherwise.

International: Globalising Labour
On the eve of the International Metalworkers Federation Congress general secretary Marcello Malentacchi argues all nations need to retain a manufacturing base.

Review: Security - Who Needs it?
What does it mean to be secure? Should we even need to ask? In his new book, Anthony Burke asks the tough questions.

Satire: Locksmith Promises "Greater Security" If Elected
A Melbourne locksmith has agreed to run for federal parliament, campaigning on the key issue of security.

» Workplace Blitz in Poll Lead-Up

» Abbott Under Pressure to Hold Seat

» Howard Double Dip Is Skyway Robbery

» Knowledge Nation Boosts IT Skills

» Stellar Win in Call Centre

» Unionists Barred Entry to Australia

» Shier's Famous Last Wordds

» Real Baby Bonus for Local Government

» Entire Town Joins Nurses' Strike

» Some Good News in Orange Squeeze

» Train Drivers Call for Level Crossing Action

» Posties See Wage Rise By Christmas

» Howard Fails To Stem Workplace Deaths

» Greenpeace Activist Gets Union Support

» Hotel Workers Name Their Odds

» Airport Screeners Strike Over Work Value

» East Timor Training Centre Copmpleted

» NSW IR Act Due for Five Year Review

» Organiser of the Year Nominations Open

» Activists Notebook

» STOP PRESS: Jakarta Shangri-La Hotel Workers Fined US$2 million