Unions welcome guards' pay
Three unions that had been involved in tense minimum wage negotiations for security guards have welcomed the gazetting of the December agreement this month and warned employers to pay what they owe or face the wrath of the unions.
“Company owners should be warned that workers in the security industry have been patient enough, some were not paid for months, and therefore the unions will not hesitate to call a nationwide strike if employers continue to violate the agreement.”
The Namibia Transport and Allied Workers Union (Natau), Namibian Independent Security Union (Nisu) and Namibia Security Guards and Watchmen Union (Nasgwu) this week noted that to date, only Security Association of Namibia (SAN) employers had a duty to implement the wages.
“Security guards employed by SAN members already received their salary adjustments as from the agreed dates (January and July), and we would like to thank those companies for their cooperation,” the unions said.
They warned that labour disputes would be filed if employees were not paid the new minimum wages.
Since the 15 September gazetting of the agreement by the labour ministry, all employers in the industry are compelled to implement the new minimum pay.
According to SAN, at least 150 companies had refused to implement the new minimum wage before it was gazetted. Some even quit their SAN membership.
Under the December agreement, all entry-level guards must now be paid N$8.75 per hour. Guards who have been employed for a year or longer are entitled to a minimum wage of N$10 per hour.
The three unions added that security guards should take note that “only they themselves can change the system of exploitation, through unity and determination. The time is now, especially during this time of economic slowdown.”
Natau, Nisu and Nasgwu said violation of labour laws, including refusal to pay minimum wages, were widespread in the security industry, which remained mostly unregulated.
“Security officers are the ones who safeguard our wealth … and are poorly remunerated with no benefits at all,” the unions stated on Monday.
The unions added that they had observed with concern that some employers “of foreign origin” disregarded agreements on conditions of employment. They charged that employees were abused by withholding wages and making illegal pay deductions.
JANA-MARI SMITH
“Company owners should be warned that workers in the security industry have been patient enough, some were not paid for months, and therefore the unions will not hesitate to call a nationwide strike if employers continue to violate the agreement.”
The Namibia Transport and Allied Workers Union (Natau), Namibian Independent Security Union (Nisu) and Namibia Security Guards and Watchmen Union (Nasgwu) this week noted that to date, only Security Association of Namibia (SAN) employers had a duty to implement the wages.
“Security guards employed by SAN members already received their salary adjustments as from the agreed dates (January and July), and we would like to thank those companies for their cooperation,” the unions said.
They warned that labour disputes would be filed if employees were not paid the new minimum wages.
Since the 15 September gazetting of the agreement by the labour ministry, all employers in the industry are compelled to implement the new minimum pay.
According to SAN, at least 150 companies had refused to implement the new minimum wage before it was gazetted. Some even quit their SAN membership.
Under the December agreement, all entry-level guards must now be paid N$8.75 per hour. Guards who have been employed for a year or longer are entitled to a minimum wage of N$10 per hour.
The three unions added that security guards should take note that “only they themselves can change the system of exploitation, through unity and determination. The time is now, especially during this time of economic slowdown.”
Natau, Nisu and Nasgwu said violation of labour laws, including refusal to pay minimum wages, were widespread in the security industry, which remained mostly unregulated.
“Security officers are the ones who safeguard our wealth … and are poorly remunerated with no benefits at all,” the unions stated on Monday.
The unions added that they had observed with concern that some employers “of foreign origin” disregarded agreements on conditions of employment. They charged that employees were abused by withholding wages and making illegal pay deductions.
JANA-MARI SMITH
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