International Security Officers’ Day – 24/7

24 July saw social media light up for the world’s private security officers on International Security Officers’ Day. According to many posts, the best way to recognise them? Better pay.

“International Security Officers’ Day, celebrated on 24 July, is an opportunity to say thank you to Security Officers for keeping us safe 24/7,” wrote NZSA CEO Gary Morrison to Association members. “On behalf of the NZSA team we would like to say a big thank you to all security officers and acknowledge the great work that you do keeping us safe.”

Across the Tasman, the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) posted on LinkedIn: “Every day, our incredible Security Officers protect, assist and guide us towards a safer future. On International Security Officers’ Day, we recognise the incredible work of frontline staff around the country and across the world, and the sacrifices they make.”

“As we begin to bounce back from this crisis, we’d like to extend a special thanks to our cleaners and security workers,” posted the Living Wage Foundation.” Their tireless work has been instrumental in helping businesses and societies reopen, and they are a crucial part of the puzzle as we look to find our new normal.”

“As we move forward, we are calling for all cleaners and security staff to receive the real Living Wage, recognising that the hard work they are doing deserves a fair day’s pay.”

“For your dedication and commitment every time that you have stood a post, responded to an incident, taken the extra shift because it helped the team, gone the extra mile for a client, assisted a customer to find their way, their belongings or made them feel safe – for this and all that you do – Thank you,” posted Neonie Colls, Director, Justice and Security Services, G4S

“I just want to say a massive thank you to all my staff and contractors for their continued service delivery in what has been a very tough year for all,” posted Richard Short, Managing Director, RS Security Services Limited. “As a company director I have pledged another year to the living wage foundation ensuring our staff are paid a real living wage. We have retained this status since we began trading.”

“The private security industry provides guarding and patrol services to governments, businesses, communities and -indirectly - to us all,” ” posted Optic Security Group. “The Security Officers who perform these services play a key role in keeping our streets, venues and public spaces safe. They are usually the first to observe suspicious behaviours, they are often the first to respond to an emergency incident, and they regularly perform outstanding acts.”

“Next time you see a Security Officer going about their work, remember that they work long hours, they often get paid minimum wage, and they are regularly maligned in public discourse. They deserve our respect and - on this International Security Officers’ Day - they deserve our collective vote of thanks. Thank you to all Security Officers.”