GWU kick starts dialogue with security services providers

The General Workers' Union has kick started a dialogue process with providers of security services as it attempts to address claims of precarious conditions within this sector.

Section secretary Cory Greenland said the union has already held a meeting with 10 security services companies who cater for over half the market.

Greenland said around 1,800 workers are employed within the sector.

Union secretary general Tony Zarb said he was satisfied that the Cabinet was discussing a report on precarious work.

"The report is expected to be tabled in parliament and shows government's commitment in addressing precariousness," Zarb said.

Zarb said that the union had been the first organisation to bring the issue on the forefront of the nation's agenda and announced the commissioning of an independent report into precarious work in Malta.

Greenland said the sector had been afflicted by precariousness for years, with the abuse resulting in a drastic drop of prices. He explained that union calculations showed a security worker could cost the company €5.66 an hour, and he therefore could not understand why the abuse took place.

He said that by the end of 2012, the union had finalised collective agreements with three security companies, who together employed 800 persons.

If finalised, ongoing discussions with three other companies would result in a total of 1,200 security workers covered by a collective agreement.