Court security officers strike over pay
The court security and custodial officers said the company Ventia had mismanaged negotiations, caused delay, and dishonoured previously agreed terms. Assistant Secretary of the TWU speaking at a rally outside the Ventia office, where court security staff walked off the job in protest. NewsWire/Philip Gostelow Credit: News Corp Australia
Members of the Transport Workers Union rallied outside Perth's Supreme Court Gardens, sending what they say is a 'direct message' to Ventia and the WA government to 'fix this contract now.'
TWU WA state secretary Tim Dawson said workers had been pushed to the brink by poor wages, unsafe staffing levels and what the union described as a backflip on already agreed conditions.
'Ventia's latest offer is an insult. They're playing games with our safety and our livelihoods,' Mr Dawson said. Court Security and Custodial Officers employed by Ventia, walked off their jobs in protest against Ventia's failed handling of their enterprise agreement negotiations. Perth, WA. NewsWire/Philip Gostelow Credit: News Corp Australia
'The message we're sending on Friday is crystal clear: we will not accept inferior wages, broken promises or disrespect. Fix this contract now.'
The protest, which began at 7.30am, follows months of frustration among security officers, who say they are still waiting for fair pay despite the Cook Labor government injecting an extra $6m into the contract earlier this year.
The workers are demanding pay parity with counterparts employed by private security firm G4S. Members of the Transport Workers Union said they're done waiting while their safety, conditions and pay are ignored. NewsWire/Philip Gostelow Credit: News Corp Australia
The TWU says the company has failed to deliver on safer rosters and other agreed improvements, adding that chronic understaffing continues to place officers at risk.
'Workers will not stop until they win fair wages, safety and respect,' the union said in a statement.
It's the second major strike by Ventia-employed court security officers this year, after a similar eight-hour action was held in January.
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