The Guardian 6 December, 2006
Historic case
restores workers' wages and super
The LHMU Security Union has won a landmark victory in the Brisbane Magistrates Court
against Quest Security and its executive officer Steve Jackson for more than $330,000. The
decision was under laws brought in by the Beattie Labor Government which place some
responsibility on chief executives.
Brisbane Magistrate Ehrich fined Jackson and Quest Security $127,200 for 53 separate offences,
ordered they pay almost $200,000 in unpaid wages and superannuation and a further $3500 in
court costs. On default, Jackson faces the seizure and sale of his assets. On further default, he
could face up to four and a half years in jail.
The wages and superannuation payments were owed to 31 loyal employees who had continued
working several weeks even though their boss was not paying them.
Many employees suffered extreme financial hardship, unable to pay rent, home and car loan
repayments. Some were forced to borrow money from family and friends just to make ends
meet.
Former employee, Nathan Applebee, told the court he could not afford petrol to get to work and
regular payments from his bank account bounced costing even more in dishonour fees.
"I used to be able to take my wife out to dinner and the movies, but that had to stop", he
said.
Queensland LHMU Branch Secretary Ron Monaghan says the record prosecution highlighted the
dangers facing lower-paid workers and the support they can find through being part of a strong
union.
"These guys worked without being paid and their loyalty was repaid with nothing", Monaghan
says.
"There is no way they could have taken this action to recover their pay by themselves and it would
have cost them tens of thousands of dollars to hire a solicitor to do it for them."
"The collective effort of member's involved demonstrated power through unity can prevail. This
significant victory extends far beyond the courtroom. It is a victory won by workers for workers", the
union said.