WINDHOEK – Over 100 security guards of CIS Security Services who demonstrated in front of TransNamib headquarters demanding their monthly wages are saying their employer has a habit of refusing to pay them each month-end.
CIS Security Services is owned by businessman and Swapo Councillor for Sibbinda, Ignatuis Chunga, and the company is based in Katima Mulilo.
Some demonstrating guards told New Era they have to endure this problem almost on a monthly basis despite the fact their employer has a lucrative tender to guard TransNamib properties across the country.
“We have families to take care of, we have monthly bills to pay, we have other issues to handle as well, and how do they expect us to leave if we are not paid,” said one security guard who requested anonymity.
The payday for the guards are the 10th of every month but by Wednesday the 15th the guards were still not paid.
The security guards are not only deployed at TransNamib, but are also deployed at various government schools and hospitals in the country where Chunga has lucrative tenders.
Secretary General of the Namibia Security Guard and Watchmen’s Union (NASGWU), David Frans, says is it is about time that government intervened in the ongoing pay crisis at CIS Security Services.
“This is daylight robbery, how would Chunga feel if he was the one who was not paid for services rendered?” queried Frans.
The unionist says the company still pays guards N$5.50, in spite of the labour law’s stipulated minimum wage of N$6.75 per hour.
“Therefore we call upon the ministry of labour to look into the matter – this is not the first time that I hear about complaints of late salaries for guards,” thundered the unionist.
“Apart from the N$5.50 wages the guards are subjected to work 12-hour shifts, Sundays and public holidays without extra payment.”
He added: “Some of these guys get tenders and then don’t even bother to pay workers their salaries.”
Frans also warned big companies to screen some of the “tenderprenuers” before they give them contracts.
“These big companies should ask for references from relevant unions before they give out these tenders,” he stressed.
“And who knows maybe some of these managers are his friends and they are sharing our salaries among themselves,” moaned one guard.
New Era contacted Chunga several times yesterday and after ten attempts he answered but then hung up.
When New Era called back his phone was switched off.