Airport security workers protest
Rally over new deal
SECURITY workers and union supporters will rally at Cairns Airport’s domestic terminal to protest against the change of security contractors.
Cairns Airport has confirmed that Trident will replace ISS as its security contactor. An airport spokeswoman said the rally scheduled for 1pm should not affect travellers.
“We don’t expect any delays,” she said. “We will have extra staff on standby.”
She said the rally would occur at a low-tempo period for the airport.
About 100 demonstrators will gather outside the domestic departures hall at 1pm.
United Voice Queensland’s Matthew Plant said workers would be forced to undergo interviews for their jobs with the new contractor.
“This leaves the security workers forced to reapply for jobs with a new contractor, lose all their accrued sick leave, holiday pay and long-service leave entitlements, and begin roles as probationary employees,” Mr Plant said.
“Contracts are not fair for workers. A contractor can flip out of town and the workers need to start again.”
He said the ideal resolution would be for long-term ISS staff to be paid their entitlements.
“They should be getting some sort of redundancy pay, and those that have accrued long-service (leave) should be offered their entitlements,” Mr Plant said.
“I don’t think any of the jobs are guaranteed or have been finalised yet.” GLOBAL company ISS has insisted it offered payouts to staff made redundant by the change in security screening contractors at Cairns Airport. “ISS is deeply concerned by the publication of misleading information by United Voice,” ISS director of people and culture Scott Erwin said. “ISS has guaranteed all legal entitlements our team are due.” Mr Erwin said these entitlements included payment of all superannuation entitlements, payment of all long-service leave entitlements – including prorata long-service leave for team members with over seven years of service – and payment of all annual leave entitlements. “We have offered employment in Queensland and interstate (to those) who are able to relocate,” he said.
It is understood union members from local Cairns branches would lend their weight to the demonstration, as rostered security staff will not be attending the rally.
Mr Plant said travellers would not be stopped or interfered with as they entered the airport.
“We will abide by security instructions,” he said.
It is understood that protesting ISS workers have been forbidden to make comment to the media at the rally.
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