WINDHOEK – The representative union of security guards in the country has called on government to withdraw tenders of security companies that do not yet comply with the minimum wage for the industry.
Acting Secretary General of the Namibia Security Guard and Watchmen’s Union (NASGAWU), David Frans, says many of the companies that have not yet complied with the minimum wage of N$5 per hour, or N$60 per shift, currently hold government tenders. “We feel that the Ministry of Labour should take action against those companies that do not conform to the minimum wage, even though a compliance order was issued by the Office of the Labour Commissioner,” said Frans. He added that while most of the security companies are yet to comply with the legislation, his union is already working on a mandate for the review of the minimum wage, which is scheduled to take place this year.
Frans added that the union is also very concerned about long working hours and what he described as high and unnecessary deductions that see some security guards taking home little to nothing every month. “These companies that are not complying do not want to be controlled by national legislation. They don’t know how to talk to people and they just do what they want,” remarked Frans.
In addition, the approximately 13 000 security guards in Namibia still work without any pension benefits.
The wage agreement between the union and security companies also obligates these companies to provide their employees with uniforms for which N$300 may be deducted from a guard’s salary as deposit for the uniform. However, this deduction should be returned to the guard upon return of the uniform.
The agreement stipulates that security companies should provide each guard with two pairs of trousers and shirts per year, a hat or cap when applicable, a tie and shoulder flashes every second year, a blazer every third year and a jersey annually. “The employee shall cover the full cost of shoes/boots and non-branded items such as jackets. A uniform item remains the property of the company,” reads the agreement.
A minimum wage for the security industry was introduced in 2005, and since then, it has only been increased twice, once in 2007 and then again in 2009. However, concerns have been expressed about the implementation of the agreement. Only a few companies are known to follow the agreement while many have ignored it so far.
NASGAWU was formed during March 1995 with the aim of organizing women and men who are employed for the purpose of protecting and safeguarding public and private properties.
By Edgar Brandt