The Guardian 12 December, 2007
Chubb Security guards face $2000 pay cut
Chubb Security is pushing a non-union agreement on 1500 low-paid NSW guards that would cut pay by up to $2,000 a year. Chubb took the non-union route after the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers’ Union (LHMU) refused to sign its wage-cutting agenda.
The union’s NSW Branch Secretary, Mark Boyd, said, after three months of discussions, Chubb’s "bottom line" became cuts to hourly rates.
"Chubb guards would be expected to work overtime just to maintain their current take home pay. Any increased earnings would have been dependent on guards working increased hours, or overtime", Mark Boyd said. "Any overtime, under the Chubb proposal, would have been at the place and time of choosing of the employer. For example, guards could be required to travel an hour across town to do their extra hours."
Mr Boyd said that the effect of that on family life and personal time would have been disastrous.
"In the end, we had to walk away from a union agreement because it was only available if we were prepared to green-light wage cuts for our members."
Under the employer collective agreement, being put before NSW employees, grade one guards, working five 10-hour Monday-Friday shifts, would get $45,848 a year — down $516 on current earnings. At the other end of the scale, grade five guards working a rotating roster over 24 hours a day, would lose $1891.
The ballot is being conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission and the LHMU is urging guards to seek advice from delegates, or the union office, before voting.
Mr Boyd said no low-paid worker should be required to work overtime just to maintain present earnings.
"Australians have passed judgement on this sort of behaviour but big companies are trying to ram through unfair deals while Work Choices is still in place", Boyd said.