On Tuesday 14 December, politicians and Trade Union leaders from around the world delivered a demand for improved industry standards from global security giant Group 4 Securicor. The call followed on from a breakdown in discussions with the leading contractor over its alleged failure to work with Trade Unions in raising standards across several of its key international markets.

Posted in the form of a giant Christmas card (pictured), the signatories called on Group 4 Securicor to recognise the rights of its employees everywhere, and to provide basic benefits including safety equipment – such as bullet-resistant vests – which security operatives in the US are forced to buy for themselves.

Commenting on the card (delivered to Group 4 Securicor’s West Sussex offices) and its message as SMT passed for press, GMB general secretary Kevin Curran had this to say: “People doing jobs in the security industry encounter huge risks every day. They provide security against crime and terrorism. Therefore, they should be able to expect security and fairness from their own employers.”

In the US, Andy Stern – president of major Trade Union the SEIU – claims that Group 4 Securicor has walked away from talks and “prefers confrontation over co-operation.”

Source

SMT