Union slams security companies

THE Namibia Security Workers’ Union (Naswu) has taken issue with security companies which it says are undermining its role in improving the working conditions of security guards.

Security companies, the union charges, either refuse or intentionally delay the acceptance and signing of recognition agreements with Naswu, which leads to a situation where workers are not properly represented during disputes. In addition, the union says some companies either intimidate workers not to join trade unions, refuse to deduct contribution fees, or withhold information from the union on how many people they employ.The latter scenario, it says, makes it difficult for Naswu to gain bargaining power, as in accordance with the Labour Act they need to have a membership of at least 50 per cent plus one of all employees at a company.”One cannot overlook the fact that security workers are some of the worst treated employees in our society,” Naswu General Secretary Stephan Heita said during a media conference in Windhoek yesterday.”They’re on a daily basis risking their lives for the sake of maintaining their relatives, while being paid a petty salary without any additional benefits such as housing allowances, pension, medical aid and sometime a transport allowance,” he said.Heita says security companies have become little more than self-enrichment schemes by owners who he claims live lavish lifestyles at the expense of employees who have to endure extremely poor working conditions.Naswu has urged Government to review the Security Enterprises Act, which it says is biased towards employers.Heita says there is a need for Government to call in all stakeholders – employers, workers and trade unions – and to subsequently amend the act to make it fairer.Naswu was formally recognised as a trade union in May last year, and claims to have a membership of about 800 employees in the security industry.In addition, the union says some companies either intimidate workers not to join trade unions, refuse to deduct contribution fees, or withhold information from the union on how many people they employ.The latter scenario, it says, makes it difficult for Naswu to gain bargaining power, as in accordance with the Labour Act they need to have a membership of at least 50 per cent plus one of all employees at a company. “One cannot overlook the fact that security workers are some of the worst treated employees in our society,” Naswu General Secretary Stephan Heita said during a media conference in Windhoek yesterday.”They’re on a daily basis risking their lives for the sake of maintaining their relatives, while being paid a petty salary without any additional benefits such as housing allowances, pension, medical aid and sometime a transport allowance,” he said.Heita says security companies have become little more than self-enrichment schemes by owners who he claims live lavish lifestyles at the expense of employees who have to endure extremely poor working conditions.Naswu has urged Government to review the Security Enterprises Act, which it says is biased towards employers.Heita says there is a need for Government to call in all stakeholders – employers, workers and trade unions – and to subsequently amend the act to make it fairer.Naswu was formally recognised as a trade union in May last year, and claims to have a membership of about 800 employees in the security industry.