1,000 security guards in the UK are out on strike

On 7 May 2024, security guards in the UK – united in the GMB union – are on a 24-hour strike against G4S, launching the first of a series of industrial action against the company this month.

As announced by GMB, more than 1,000 job centre security guards are set to walk out in a dispute over pay: the key issue is G4S’s below-inflation pay offer, meaning nearly 70 per cent of the security guards are now only paid the minimum wage.

Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Officer, said: “These security guards work hard in a difficult, demanding and often dangerous job. They deserve a proper, living wage for what they do. G4S seem unwilling to provide that, so workers are taking matters into their own hands.”

The union has been fighting for better pay, but had their demands for decency and dignity ignored by the company. These workers are taking the first step in their fight for pay justice and they are doing so whilst facing a cost-of-living crisis. They know that the trade union movement is the only way that an employer will provide good and safe jobs and to win decent pay and good and fair working conditions for all workers.

The situation has reached a breaking point and left these essential security workers with no other option than to declare a strike.

Oliver Roethig, UNI Europa Regional Secretary, said: “GMB and security guards in the UK today are an inspiration to all of us, and to the new generations of workers that know that the trade union movement is the only way to ensure safe jobs and to win decent pay and good and fair working conditions for all. That is also why the slogan for the 6th UNI Europa Conference in March next year is Forward through Collective Bargaining – Real Say, More Pay.”

Adding to the voices of support, Michala Lafferty, Head of Property Services for UNI Global Union said: “We urge G4S management to reengage in meaningful negotiations that properly compensate and recognize the dedication and hard work of their employees. These workers deserve fair treatment and respect for their significant contributions to the company.”  “We stand in full solidarity with our GMB brothers and sisters in this crucial fight for dignity and safety at work. Their courage in confronting these longstanding issues head-on serves as an inspiration to workers everywhere striving for fair treatment and just compensation.”