Guards strike over pay

SECURITY guards working for G F Group Security Services went on strike yesterday and took to the streets in protest against alleged poor labour practices and two months’ unpaid salaries.

About 20 workers marched from the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) offices in Katutura to G F Holdings’ offices in the Windhoek city centre. The security concern, co-owned by black economic empowerment (BEE) partners, has a contract with TransNamib to provide security services at its properties around the country.It is understood that strike has prompted TransNamib to consider seeking an alternative.Simon Ekandjo of the Namibia Transport and Allied Workers Union (Natau) said several efforts to engage management in talks had proved futile while the workers had to go without pay.”They told us that the company does not have money but that is not true.Our investigations have revealed that there is misuse of money,” said Ekandjo.The workers claim that TransNamib has honoured its obligations by paying the security company, which in turn is failing to pay its employees.Most of the workers at the security concern are graduates from the National Youth Service (NYS).In a letter dated June 13 2005, addressed to G F Group Security Services’ managing director, Natau accused the company of perpetrating labour abuse.The workers’ union alleged that victimisation at the entity was rampant.Part of the letter read: “Natau learnt with shock and disbelief that your company, which we thought represented black empowerment in principle, spirit, deeds and adherence to the Labour Act, is in fact perpetuating labour repression.”Former members of the NYS who were recruited from Berg-Aukas at a monthly salary of N$1 050 are on the receiving end of victimisation as their daily rate has been cut from N$30,80 to N$25.”This is not only a violation of employment contracts between the employer and employee, but non-compliance with labour laws,” the letter read.Copies of the letter were sent to the Office of the President, the Ministries of Labour and Youth, and the Labour Commissioner.Natau said in a press release that the goings-on at G F Group Security Services represented labour oppression being championed by BEE companies that were apparently benefiting from Government tenders.The union said it had notified the Labour Commissioner of the pending industrial action.When contacted by The Namibian, Gotty Ndjendjela, Group Chairman of G F Group Security Services, said he did not know about the strike and could, therefore, not comment.The workers have vowed to continue with the strike action until their grievances are addressed.The security concern, co-owned by black economic empowerment (BEE) partners, has a contract with TransNamib to provide security services at its properties around the country.It is understood that strike has prompted TransNamib to consider seeking an alternative.Simon Ekandjo of the Namibia Transport and Allied Workers Union (Natau) said several efforts to engage management in talks had proved futile while the workers had to go without pay.”They told us that the company does not have money but that is not true.Our investigations have revealed that there is misuse of money,” said Ekandjo.The workers claim that TransNamib has honoured its obligations by paying the security company, which in turn is failing to pay its employees.Most of the workers at the security concern are graduates from the National Youth Service (NYS).In a letter dated June 13 2005, addressed to G F Group Security Services’ managing director, Natau accused the company of perpetrating labour abuse.The workers’ union alleged that victimisation at the entity was rampant.Part of the letter read: “Natau learnt with shock and disbelief that your company, which we thought represented black empowerment in principle, spirit, deeds and adherence to the Labour Act, is in fact perpetuating labour repression.”Former members of the NYS who were recruited from Berg-Aukas at a monthly salary of N$1 050 are on the receiving end of victimisation as their daily rate has been cut from N$30,80 to N$25.”This is not only a violation of employment contracts between the employer and employee, but non-compliance with labour laws,” the letter read.Copies of the letter were sent to the Office of the President, the Ministries of Labour and Youth, and the Labour Commissioner.Natau said in a press release that the goings-on at G F Group Security Services represented labour oppression being championed by BEE companies that were apparently benefiting from Government tenders.The union said it had notified the Labour Commissioner of the pending industrial action.When contacted by The Namibian, Gotty Ndjendjela, Group Chairman of G F Group Security Services, said he did not know about the strike and could, therefore, not comment.The workers have vowed to continue with the strike action until their grievances are addressed.