TWU calls for security roundtable

Date: 09 June 2010

The Transport Workers Union is calling for Safe Work Australia and appropriate state OH&S authorities, Cash in Transit (CiT) companies, employees and security and safety experts to come together to discuss measures for increased safety in the industry.

Transport Workers Union national secretary, Tony Sheldon, said he would be requesting the deputy prime minister to convene the meeting through Fair Work Australia.

"A man went to work on Monday and did not come home, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr Allibon's wife Monica, his family and his workmates at this difficult time," Mr Sheldon said.

"Chubb and other security companies do give their workforce ongoing security incident training, and this is a leading training program world wide. The company has made counselling available to all employees and along with the union has set up a fund to help support Gary's families.

"But without a well-functioning and safe CiT industry, the retail sector and the banks would have trouble functioning. There are things we can do to make it safer including changing times for deliveries.

"There have also been questions raised over the safety and the consistency of regulations in the CiT industry - especially the wearing of bullet-proof vests.

"Put simply, if the guards thought it was safer to be wearing a vest then they would be wearing them. There is a overwhelming view amongst armored car drivers that an assailant will decide to go for a shot to the head, and that it will encourage a more severe attack.

"Over the last decade this issue has been before Fair Work Australia and numerous courts including the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, but there has been no determination on the matter.

"It is time for all parties, including Safe Work Australia and all industry partners, to sit down, look at all the evidence and make an informed decision on what direction this industry should move in to make it safer," Mr Sheldon said.

The TWU has set up a fund for Mr Allibon's family, find out how you can donate HERE.

For further information

Contact:	Tony Sheldon
Union:	TWU
WWW:	http://www.twu.com.au/

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