Khaibasen Security accused of unfair labour practices
Security guards working at the facilities for the health ministry in the Oshikoto Region, are accusing their employer, Khaibasen Security Services, of unfair treatment and non-compliance with the minimum wage policy.
The workers claim that since they joined the company in 2014, they have been receiving their monthly salaries only after two months and currently, they say they have not received any wages since February this year. They allege the company refuses to pay them according to the minimum wage agreement of N$10.75 per hour for the industry.
The guards also claim the company gives them very low salaries. Coupled with late payment they say it makes it difficult for them to take care of their families.
“This company does not have respect for its employees. The last time we received our salaries was in February. Every time we enquire, they tell us they have made the payments and we should make enquiries at our banks. At the banks we are told that no money has been received from them. How do they expect us to survive?” one told Namibian Sun. He added that the money due to them is not for the last three months, but rather the last five months, because they are only receive the month's salary after two months.
Last year the labour ministry amended the Security Enterprise and Security Officers Act, 1998 (Act No 11 of 2007) to introduce a minimum wage for all security guards. As from 1 January last year the minimum wage for the entry level security officers was adjusted to N$8.75 per hour, while for employees who had a cumulative period of no less than 12 months was adjusted to N$10 per hour.
Documents seen by Namibian Sun indicate this is not the case at Khaibasen. Security guards who joined the company in 2014 are getting N$6.75 an hour while those joined the company less than 12 months ago receive N$5.30 an hour.
Another guard said that inspectors for the ministry of labour are not doing their job to ensure employers are complying with the established laws. “It is very disturbing that a company that is contracted by the government is not paying what the government has prescribed and is also not paying its employees on time. What are the ministry of labour's inspectors' duties if they do not come visit us to inspect our employment conditions? We are fed up,” one guard said.
Guards are also claiming that they do not get uniform and equipment.
“The main role of a security guard is to protect people, property, or assets. However, being a security guard is not an easy occupation as it can be an unsafe and hazardous job. Our personal safety cannot be compromised like this. We need the right tools and equipment for our self-defence,” he said.
The Oshikoto governor Henock Kankoshi said that his office is aware of the guards' complaints and he has been trying to solve the issue with the health directorate.
“They came to my office with their complaints and they requested me to liaise with the regional director of health and their employer. I could not reach any of them and it is very difficult for me to say what their problem is,” Kankoshi said.
Contacted for comments, Goneb Khaibasen, owner of Khaibasen Security Services refused to comment.
The health ministry has contracted Khaibasen Security Services to guard its 12 health centres in Oshikoto Region and it has deployed two guards at each centre.
ILENI NANDJATO
The workers claim that since they joined the company in 2014, they have been receiving their monthly salaries only after two months and currently, they say they have not received any wages since February this year. They allege the company refuses to pay them according to the minimum wage agreement of N$10.75 per hour for the industry.
The guards also claim the company gives them very low salaries. Coupled with late payment they say it makes it difficult for them to take care of their families.
“This company does not have respect for its employees. The last time we received our salaries was in February. Every time we enquire, they tell us they have made the payments and we should make enquiries at our banks. At the banks we are told that no money has been received from them. How do they expect us to survive?” one told Namibian Sun. He added that the money due to them is not for the last three months, but rather the last five months, because they are only receive the month's salary after two months.
Last year the labour ministry amended the Security Enterprise and Security Officers Act, 1998 (Act No 11 of 2007) to introduce a minimum wage for all security guards. As from 1 January last year the minimum wage for the entry level security officers was adjusted to N$8.75 per hour, while for employees who had a cumulative period of no less than 12 months was adjusted to N$10 per hour.
Documents seen by Namibian Sun indicate this is not the case at Khaibasen. Security guards who joined the company in 2014 are getting N$6.75 an hour while those joined the company less than 12 months ago receive N$5.30 an hour.
Another guard said that inspectors for the ministry of labour are not doing their job to ensure employers are complying with the established laws. “It is very disturbing that a company that is contracted by the government is not paying what the government has prescribed and is also not paying its employees on time. What are the ministry of labour's inspectors' duties if they do not come visit us to inspect our employment conditions? We are fed up,” one guard said.
Guards are also claiming that they do not get uniform and equipment.
“The main role of a security guard is to protect people, property, or assets. However, being a security guard is not an easy occupation as it can be an unsafe and hazardous job. Our personal safety cannot be compromised like this. We need the right tools and equipment for our self-defence,” he said.
The Oshikoto governor Henock Kankoshi said that his office is aware of the guards' complaints and he has been trying to solve the issue with the health directorate.
“They came to my office with their complaints and they requested me to liaise with the regional director of health and their employer. I could not reach any of them and it is very difficult for me to say what their problem is,” Kankoshi said.
Contacted for comments, Goneb Khaibasen, owner of Khaibasen Security Services refused to comment.
The health ministry has contracted Khaibasen Security Services to guard its 12 health centres in Oshikoto Region and it has deployed two guards at each centre.
ILENI NANDJATO
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