Implement the Security Services Act now!

In Austria, around 12,700 people work in the security industry – at events, in banks, shopping centres, airports or public facilities. If temporary employees are included, the figure is even up to 18,000 people.

But everyday work is hard: Many security employees work alone, often up to five days in a row for twelve hours each. This is not only an enormous burden, but also a security policy risk.

The reality in the security industry in Austria

• Around 40% of the workforce works in Vienna.
• A third of them do not have Austrian citizenship.
• The market is dominated by large companies such as G4S, Securitas, Siwacht or ÖWD.
• All major providers have works councils – and studies show that companies with works councils are economically more successful and more stable in times of crisis.

Security is not a part-time job – security needs training

Currently, there is no uniform, mandatory training for security personnel. Many employees are recruited online, receive only a short training course and are already on duty the next day. In doing so, they bear great responsibility and must act professionally in dangerous situations.

The trade union vida is therefore calling for legally regulated vocational training:

• 268 hours of training, including at least 40 hours of practical experience
• Contents: Vocational knowledge, first aid, de-escalation, legal studies, scenario training, conflict resolution
• Clear admission criteria for teachers and learners
• Costs must not be passed on to employees
• Recognition of existing professional experience and practical follow-up training

More transparency: Registration and ID cards for security personnel

In addition to training, central and independent registration is also needed:

• Register of enterprises, training establishments and employees at a public authority
• Uniform ID card for employees for identification in the field
• Protection of sensitive data through data protection and clear responsibilities

Fair and controlled procurement

A major problem is the non-transparent passing on of orders to subcontractors. It often remains unclear who is actually on duty. vida demands:

• Clear quality standards for clients and subcontractors
• Mandatory requirements for training and further education
• Personnel reserves to cover absences
• Liability for contracting authorities in the event of sub-contracts

Uniform background check instead of arbitrariness

New employees in the security service must undergo a background check. But currently, this is different in each federal state and often takes a long time. Employees report unclear criteria – in some cases, small offenses such as traffic fines are enough for rejections.

"People work at major events who have not been checked to see whether they might pose a danger," warns Kopp. A nationwide uniform regulation with clear criteria and a comprehensible process is therefore overdue.

Government programme: Announced, but not implemented

There have been initiatives for a modern security services law since 2004. The current government programme also speaks of "growing security challenges". Standards are planned for:

• Training
• Registration
• Background check
• Differentiation from sovereign tasks

But nothing has happened to date. "If even the government program says that private security services need clear rules, the question arises: Why is nothing happening then?" criticizes vida chairman Roman Hebenstreit.

Outdated legal situation – time for a security services law

At present, the security industry is only regulated in the Industrial Code (§§94ff, 129ff) and in the Security Industry Ordinance. A modern, comprehensive legal basis is missing.

vida is therefore calling for its own Security Services Act, which finally creates clear framework conditions.

The demands of the trade union vida at a glance

• Mandatory certified training with clear quality standards and regular refreshers
• ID card for security staff to strengthen authority and identification
• Transparent registration with an independent state authority
• Clear requirements for the award of contracts, including liability of the contracting authorities

Result

Employees in the security industry make an important contribution to public safety every day. In order for them to be able to live up to this responsibility, fair working conditions, clear legal rules and uniform training are needed.

The message is clear: security is not a part-time job – now we finally need a security services law!