Security group wants a higher minimum wage

THE recently formed Federation of Security Employers in Namibia (FSEN) is calling for an increase in the minimum wage of security guards, from N$3 to N$4 an hour.

Security guards are one of the most vulnerable labour groups in Namibia, working 12-hour shifts, often seven days a week, and for the measly minimum wage of N$3 an hour, with Social Security being their only benefit – if they’re lucky.
Between 15 000 and 20 000 people are employed by over 100 private security companies, and the industry is said to be one of the fastest growing in the country and the SADC region, but also the one paying the lowest wages.
The FSEN was formed earlier this year to transform the security industry, not only on the part of employers, but in tune with the interests of employees as well.
Another employers’ organisation, the Security Association of Namibia (SAN), already exists, but Laurentius Humphries, FSEN’s founder and owner of Humphries Security Guard Division, says that since SAN’s formation it hasn’t done much to help security companies address the issues they face.
Attempts to reach representatives of SAN for comment proved futile.
‘We want to see action on what can be done for companies, but also in serving the interests of the guards themselves,’ says Humphries.
Asked whether an increase of one dollar an hour would give guards a living wage, Humphries responded: ‘We have to start somewhere. And by increasing the minimum wage, we will also be able to get more out of security guards.’
The minimum wage for security guards was increased in March this year to N$3, up from the N$2,09 an hour or N$25 per 12-hour shift minimum wage introduced in 2005, following negotiations between SAN, the Namibia Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Natau), the Namibia Security Guards and Watchmen’s Union (NASGWU) and the Ministry of Labour.
‘All members of the federation [of which there are currently 22] will be expected to ensure that the going minimum wage is adhered to, and the federation will also ensure that companies are looking after the welfare of their guards, for example, ensuring they have winter and summer uniforms, are equipped with firearms and communication radios as needed; and that arbitration matters are properly resolved, with the federation possibly playing the role of mediator,’ says Humphries.
He says the federation already has a good relationship with the two unions, NASGWU and Natau.
In addition to increased minimum wages, the federation also intends to standardise the fees charged for security services and to address the need for a security school that will provide quality training to security guards.