Lafferty's comments followed findings from UNI Global Union’s survey titled "Insecurity in Security Work: A Global Survey of Working Conditions in the Security Sector." The survey covered 11,000 workers across 35 countries and highlighted poor working conditions faced by security officers.
“The findings of this survey are a cry for immediate action,” Lafferty added. She emphasized that the sector’s global plan would help member unions become stronger through campaigns aimed at increasing visibility in urban centers.
The conference also re-elected Rocio Saenz of SEIU as global president of UNI Property Services. A new leadership committee was also elected to implement the sector’s vision for the future. Saenz stressed the need for expanded campaigns to organize workers in critical industries like airports where job insecurity and health risks are significant concerns.
The event celebrated organizing victories worldwide, including a campaign in Kenya that committed to organizing 200,000 new members. These successes demonstrate how union efforts can improve working conditions significantly.
The conference addressed other proposals such as Proposal 2: Raising Standards by Lifting the Floor. This initiative involves engaging with private security employers and governments through the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA) to promote freedom of association and accountability. It also includes launching a living wage campaign in Indonesia supported by employer ISS.
Delegates also approved Proposal 3: Raising Standards through a Fairer Public Procurement Process. This proposal aims to influence public procurement policies to prevent exploitative labor practices during events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.
Proposal 4: Raising Standards through Strong Governance Structures was another focus area. It emphasizes inclusive consultation processes with all affiliates to ensure effective governance as the sector evolves.
Christy Hoffman, UNI Global Union’s General Secretary, concluded the conference with a speech emphasizing growth not just in numbers but in securing better futures for workers. “Growth is not just about numbers; it’s about power to secure a better future for workers," she said. "We all know how to win so let’s get to it!”
These new proposals set by UNI Global Union’s Property Services sector aim to advance workers' rights globally while establishing better working conditions.
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