Backflip over court guards’ jobs
THE state’s busiest Magistrates Courts could be left short-staffed due to workplace changes sparking security concerns, a union has warned.
However, United Voice has welcomed what it says is a last-minute decision by Wilson Security not to force full-time employed security guards at Launceston and Hobart Magistrates Courts to go casual.
Wilson won the tender to take over security services at the court starting at midnight on Friday.
Security guard Mary Moles said her new contract had only offered a casual position despite having worked at the Hobart Magistrates Court for 21 years on a full-time basis.
Her plight sparked an online petition on Tuesday that attracted more than 650 signatures.
Yesterday, Wilson released a short statement saying that five permanent part-time guards would be offered casual positions, ‘‘however all other roles remain unchanged’’.
‘‘We are an employer of choice in Australia investing heavily in staff training and development and look forward to continuing this commitment in Tasmania,’’ Wilson’s Kristy Cook said.
United Voice state secretary Jannette Armstrong said the about-face was welcomed but other guards may not sign up to the casual positions.
‘‘That could leave quite a hole at the Magistrates Court. Wilson would need to retrain a host of new guards,’’ she said.
The Justice Department said it was urging all parties to arrive at a fair outcome.
‘‘The Magistrates Court is working with the current provider, Searson Buck, and new provider for the Hobart and Launceston courts, Wilson Security, to ensure the safety of the public and buildings is maintained at all court locations,’’ a department spokeswoman said.
Security guard Mary Moles says her new contract only offers a casual position even though she has worked full-time at the Hobart Magistrates Court for 21 years. Picture: GEORGIE BURGESS