Guards in focus: A works council reports

The job as a security guard is varied: "Every day is different," guard Bernd Böck tells kontrast.at. It is important to always keep a cool head and to be able to react quickly - that's what he particularly likes about his work. This also applies to his colleagues, who are deployed at the main gate, for example. As a member of the works council, Böck has to deal with many colleagues from the industry – including other security companies. "They need nerves of steel," because conflicts always arise in the entrance area  , as he describes. Despite the importance of security guard work and increased demand, employees would only receive 10.95 euros gross per hour worked. at night, an additional 40 cents are added. With a 48-hour week , this means that 1,650 net euros end up in the employees' accounts . Working hours are also a burden for many employees. "A typical working day is a 12-hour day," says the works council. It is 207 hours per month, with overtime very often having to be worked in addition.

More members to achieve more

Adjustments are urgently needed , vida trade unionist Ursula Woditschka also clarifies. The squeezing of employees by employers like a lemon must stop immediately. How important the trade union is for improving working conditions is shown by examples where a high degree of organisation has led to companies suddenly talking to employee representatives.

"Especially in low-wage industries such as security, organization is essential."

Ursula Woditschka, Secretary of the vida Facility Management Department

In an interview with kontrast.at, security guard and works council member Bernd Böck tells us how he managed to achieve a high level of organization and how a specially developed app helps him! >>> Click here for the interview.