The GMB trade union and guarding firm G4S Security Services (UK) have signed an agreement which recognises the GMB as a union to represent G4S’s 15,500 UK-based security officers.
The ‘Union Recognition Agreement’ was signed at the House of Commons on February 1 by David Beaton, Regional President, UK & Ireland, G4S Security Services (UK) and Allan Black, National Officer, GMB.
It comes after more than 15 months of negotiations between the GMB and the guarding firm. Separately it follows also, after negotiations with the GMB, what G4S Cash Services (UK) called a landmark four-year pay deal finalised, which included a single contract for staff.
For the GMB, Allan Black said: “As the trade union for the vitally important private security industry we welcome this new agreement as a landmark. The security industry is in the midst of huge change with the impact of statutory licensing and the working time regulations. This agreement will enable the union to play a full part with the Company in managing that change. We look forward to working constructively with G4S to have the professionalism and expertise of the industry properly recognised and fully rewarded. We expect other major employers in the sector to take the same mature views as G4S and to offer all those in the industry the chance to be represented at the table by an independent, professional and forward looking trade union.”
David Beaton, Regional President, UK & Ireland, G4S Security Services (UK) said: “This agreement with the GMB is a significant milestone for the company. I am delighted to have the GMB working alongside us, not only to represent the interests of our employees, but to help us respond to the challenges facing the private security industry. It is in our interest to work together to influence the future direction of the industry. We both want an industry that is recognised for its expertise and professionalism, as well as for the important role it plays in providing security to a wide range of customers in the public and private sector."
About G4S Security Services (UK)
G4S Security Services (UK) is made up of Group 4 Total Security Limited, Group 4 Securitas Northern Ireland Limited, Wackenhut UK Limited, Securicor Security Limited and Securicor Aviation Limited. G4S Security Services (UK) was formed from the merger between Securicor plc and Group 4 Falck A/S’s security businesses, completed in July 2004.
