Union welcomes Charanpreet Dhawliwal Coroners findings

Media Release
22 October 2015

Embargoed until 4:00am on Friday, 23 October 2015

Unite Union welcomes Coroners findings in Charanpreet Dhawliwal death.

Unite Union welcomes the recommendations made by Coroner Ryan that an Approved Codes of Practice needs to developed to improve worker safety in the security industry. The implementation of a universal standard will make a meaningful improvement to worker safety.

Tom Buckley, Unite Union Assistant Secretary, says “It is incredibly sad that it took the death of a young worker to see serious consideration to improve standards in the industry.”

Unite Union represents over 200 security guards and Tom Buckley says “Mr Dhawliwal’s employer, CNE Security Ltd’s, behaviour is a recurring problem in the industry. There is a race to bottom of safety and employments standards led by the competition to provide the cheapest service. This comes at a high cost for workers who are ultimately paying the price.”

“The recommendations made by Coroner Ryan will be welcomed by workers in the industry. We often receive complaints from workers who are concerned that they are working in isolated areas or dangerous situations areas without proper training or adequate equipment.”

“It is not acceptable that worker safety can have a price-tag - safety needs to be a non-negotiable”

Unite Union is prepared to work with Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Worksafe NZ and industry stakeholders to develop and implement the recommendation made

The recommendations made by the Coroner, if adopted, will stop security companies compromising worker safety to win business.

ENDS

© Scoop Media