Security guards threaten to strike
Roughly 150 security guards returning from their nightshifts from at least nine security companies gathered on the grounds of the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) headquarters early yesterday morning to be briefed on preparations of a countrywide peaceful demonstration planned for next week Thursday.
The demonstration is in reaction to deadlocked salary negotiations between security companies and trade unions.
A dispute was launched with the Labour Commissioner on 4 October.
The minimum wage for security guards was first established in August 2014 at N$6.75 per hour to improve the living standard of security officers and curb and prevent their exploitation.
Despite this, wages have only increased minimally and do not reflect the increased cost of living in the country.
The trade unions'' wish therefore, in this and next week''s protest, is to increase the current hourly minimum wage for security guards from N$7.50 to N$12.50.
The trade unions involved in the joint action are the Namibian Independent Security Union (NISU), the Namibian Security Guards and Watchmen'' Union (NASGWU) and the Namibian Transport and Allied Workers'' Union (NATAU).
The general-secretary of NISU, Kandondo Simon Kandondo, warned that while they “are trying to follow all correct procedures”, they will have no other choice but to go on strike if the arbitration is not satisfactory.
Job Muniaro, the secretary-general NUNW, stated that “the country''s security is at stake”, if the men and uniform embark on strike action. “Security guards ensure that you sleep safely in your home. They contribute about 70% of the country''s safety for N$7 per hour. They do almost the same work as the City Police and the Namibian Police but how do their wages compare to others?” he asked. Muniaro said by allowing security guards to go on strike would not only endanger people''s lives but also pose a potential threat as these aggrieved workers are trained in using firearms. He said he would alert the Namibian Police of the impending demonstration next week.
“As a trade union, we are working in the interest of the workers but also for the peace and stability of the country,” said Muniaro.
‘Demand too high’
Meanwhile, the Security Association of Namibia (SAN) has in the meantime issued a statement in which it says the demand for a 71% increase would have a negative impact on the Namibian economy.
The chairperson of SAN’s negotiating committee, Levi Shigwedha, said the biggest loser would be the end-user, with the government being the biggest client.
“SAN’s main focus is to ensure customer satisfaction and job security while the unions’ main focus is increments and higher quantity of members regardless the consequences. It is a proven fact that the focus is only on the SAN associated companies when minimum wages are discussed,” Shighwedha said.
INGER JUNGE
The demonstration is in reaction to deadlocked salary negotiations between security companies and trade unions.
A dispute was launched with the Labour Commissioner on 4 October.
The minimum wage for security guards was first established in August 2014 at N$6.75 per hour to improve the living standard of security officers and curb and prevent their exploitation.
Despite this, wages have only increased minimally and do not reflect the increased cost of living in the country.
The trade unions'' wish therefore, in this and next week''s protest, is to increase the current hourly minimum wage for security guards from N$7.50 to N$12.50.
The trade unions involved in the joint action are the Namibian Independent Security Union (NISU), the Namibian Security Guards and Watchmen'' Union (NASGWU) and the Namibian Transport and Allied Workers'' Union (NATAU).
The general-secretary of NISU, Kandondo Simon Kandondo, warned that while they “are trying to follow all correct procedures”, they will have no other choice but to go on strike if the arbitration is not satisfactory.
Job Muniaro, the secretary-general NUNW, stated that “the country''s security is at stake”, if the men and uniform embark on strike action. “Security guards ensure that you sleep safely in your home. They contribute about 70% of the country''s safety for N$7 per hour. They do almost the same work as the City Police and the Namibian Police but how do their wages compare to others?” he asked. Muniaro said by allowing security guards to go on strike would not only endanger people''s lives but also pose a potential threat as these aggrieved workers are trained in using firearms. He said he would alert the Namibian Police of the impending demonstration next week.
“As a trade union, we are working in the interest of the workers but also for the peace and stability of the country,” said Muniaro.
‘Demand too high’
Meanwhile, the Security Association of Namibia (SAN) has in the meantime issued a statement in which it says the demand for a 71% increase would have a negative impact on the Namibian economy.
The chairperson of SAN’s negotiating committee, Levi Shigwedha, said the biggest loser would be the end-user, with the government being the biggest client.
“SAN’s main focus is to ensure customer satisfaction and job security while the unions’ main focus is increments and higher quantity of members regardless the consequences. It is a proven fact that the focus is only on the SAN associated companies when minimum wages are discussed,” Shighwedha said.
INGER JUNGE
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