G4S Security Services (UK), part of Group 4 Securicor, and the GMB trade union were recently praised by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, for their union recognition agreement.
Speaking at the GMB Conference in Blackpool, the Prime Minister welcomed the agreement with Group 4 Securicor as “ground breaking”.
The agreement, which was signed between G4S Security Services (UK) and the GMB union at the House of Commons on February 1, recognises the GMB as an appropriate union to represent G4S’s 15,500 UK-based security officers and agents.
The agreement came after more than 15 months of negotiations between the GMB and G4S Security Services (UK). It was signed by David Beaton, Regional President, UK & Ireland, G4S and Gary Smith, National Officer, GMB.
What they say
David Beaton, Regional President, UK & Ireland, G4S said: “We are delighted that the Prime Minister has recognised the significance of this agreement with the GMB. It is a milestone for the company and we are very pleased to have the GMB working alongside us, not only to help us 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, professionalism and the important role it plays in providing security to a wide range of customers in the public and private sector."
Commenting on behalf of the GMB, Gary Smith said: “The Prime Minister has praised our agreement with G4S as one of a number of examples of top quality service we are offering our members. As a trade union for the vitally important private security industry, this agreement is a landmark for the industry. The security industry continues to be in the midst of huge change with the impact of statutory licensing and working time regulations. This agreement has already benefited our members by enabling us to work closely with the company to manage these changes. We are working constructively with G4S to ensure that the professionalism and expertise of the industry is properly recognised and fully rewarded. We hope that other major employers in the sector take the same mature view as them by offering those working in the industry the chance to be represented by an independent, professional and forward looking trade union."
