In 2022, security guards forced the Victorian Government to implement “Safeguard” standards across its contracts, winning 6 above-award wages and improved conditions. Their determined campaign created a new benchmark for the security industry by making Australia’s biggest security client lift standards.
ecurity guards who were members of our union at Victorian Government sites played hardball to win “Safeguard” standards after more than a year of relentless campaigning. These guards weren’t asking nicely – they took their fight straight to the top, confronting Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas about the government’s responsibility as the state’s biggest security contractor.
Guards rallied outside Parliament House, sharing raw stories about working through the pandemic in hospitals, public housing and government offices under brutal conditions. Their sustained pressure forced through wages 6% above award rates, proper job security, career development paths and safety standards that respect guards as essential workers.
The win gives guards on Victorian Government contracts access to Safeguard rates, creating leverage for our union to lift standards across all security employers in the state. Most importantly, it proves security guards can use their industrial muscle to force both government and contractors to lift their game.