Security guards threaten strike over N$8.75 per hour pay
Employees of Eagle Night Watch Security Guards have threatened their employer with a strike if working conditions worsen.
The workers highlighted their grievances in a letter through the Namibia Security Guard and Watchmen Union (NASGWU).
In it, they said if their employer doesn’t allow them to join a union, registers them with the Social Security Commission (SSC) and ends victimisation and intimidation before or on 21 October, they will protest.
The employees further demanded a salary increment from N$8.75 to N$15 per hour, while they have also warned the company to “stop illegal deductions like transport, uniform, AWOL and sleeping while on duty", the letter read.
The workers bemoaned their low wages, which are in contradiction to the labour law’s N$10 per hour for guards employed longer than a year.
They further claimed that they are made to sign "bogus" contracts lasting between three and six months only, after which new employees are hired.
According to the employees, they pay N$10.40 for the SSC, but their names aren't in its system.
Not fair
Erwin Muthenge, who has been working at Eagle Night Watch Security Guards for just over two years, said working under the current conditions is tiring and unfair.
The father of one added that the salary he gets is not enough to sustain his family.
"On top of the small salary we received, the deductions are so much. We pay large sums of money for uniforms and transport, which is not fair," he said.
Deal with the consequences
Meanwhile, company owner Bart Koopman told the employees they will have to deal with the consequences of an illegal strike.
"I am aware of the planned strike and the letter. We are working with our lawyers to conclude [the matter]. The workers are not a part of any union because the company does not have a recognition agreement with any union.
“That is all I can say at this point," he said during a telephonic interview with Namibian Sun.
Against the law
The employees said they currently pay a N$1 800 deposit for uniforms, which, according to Koopman, is deducted in installments over five months.
This is also in contravention of the labour law, which states that employers may only retain a N$300 deposit for uniforms. An employer is further required to refund the N$300 upon termination of service when the employee returns the uniform.
On why Eagle Night Watch Security Guards charges so much for uniforms, Koopman said in Windhoek, the risk of employees absconding from work is high.
He further assured employees that the company will do its best to consider all avenues during legal conversations.
The workers highlighted their grievances in a letter through the Namibia Security Guard and Watchmen Union (NASGWU).
In it, they said if their employer doesn’t allow them to join a union, registers them with the Social Security Commission (SSC) and ends victimisation and intimidation before or on 21 October, they will protest.
The employees further demanded a salary increment from N$8.75 to N$15 per hour, while they have also warned the company to “stop illegal deductions like transport, uniform, AWOL and sleeping while on duty", the letter read.
The workers bemoaned their low wages, which are in contradiction to the labour law’s N$10 per hour for guards employed longer than a year.
They further claimed that they are made to sign "bogus" contracts lasting between three and six months only, after which new employees are hired.
According to the employees, they pay N$10.40 for the SSC, but their names aren't in its system.
Not fair
Erwin Muthenge, who has been working at Eagle Night Watch Security Guards for just over two years, said working under the current conditions is tiring and unfair.
The father of one added that the salary he gets is not enough to sustain his family.
"On top of the small salary we received, the deductions are so much. We pay large sums of money for uniforms and transport, which is not fair," he said.
Deal with the consequences
Meanwhile, company owner Bart Koopman told the employees they will have to deal with the consequences of an illegal strike.
"I am aware of the planned strike and the letter. We are working with our lawyers to conclude [the matter]. The workers are not a part of any union because the company does not have a recognition agreement with any union.
“That is all I can say at this point," he said during a telephonic interview with Namibian Sun.
Against the law
The employees said they currently pay a N$1 800 deposit for uniforms, which, according to Koopman, is deducted in installments over five months.
This is also in contravention of the labour law, which states that employers may only retain a N$300 deposit for uniforms. An employer is further required to refund the N$300 upon termination of service when the employee returns the uniform.
On why Eagle Night Watch Security Guards charges so much for uniforms, Koopman said in Windhoek, the risk of employees absconding from work is high.
He further assured employees that the company will do its best to consider all avenues during legal conversations.
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