SAN distances itself from ‘banana republic’ strike
Strike's impact could be negative, SAN president warns
SAN president Dhiginina Uutaapama says the organisation viewed a recent strike by security guards as 'illegal'.
Security Association of Namibia (SAN) president Dhiginina Uutaapama described a strike by hundreds of security guards in Windhoek last week as "unlawful."
Uutaapama said the guards' actions, after being "misled" by activist and Namibia Security Workers Union (NASWU) president Michael Amushelelo, would have grave consequences and added that the strike resembled the actions of a "banana republic."
Illegal action
Uutaapama questioned the integrity of the guards after they heeded a call by Amushelelo.
Uutaapama also claimed NASWU is an unregistered union.
"The illegal strike not only poses significant challenges to the security industry but also raises serious questions about the integrity of our profession and the welfare of SAN members. SAN distances itself from employers and employee representatives who are not registered and recognised with the Ministry of Labour Industrial Relations and Employment Creation," Uutaapama said.
“SAN, as a member of the Namibia Security Labour Forum (NSLF), is actively engaged in continuous discussions regarding the minimum wage for the security industry, as outlined in the memorandum of understanding of the NSLF. It is important for the public and end-users to be aware that since 2017, there have been no statutory increases, and thus continuous negotiations are ongoing with the NSLF," he added.
More pay
At the start of 2017, the minimum wage for security guards and officers was amended from N$6.75 and N$7.00 per hour to N$8.75 per hour. The workers are now demanding N$15.00 per hour.
"We cannot afford to compromise on the protection of life and property, and we are fully committed to addressing these security concerns head-on. In light of these security risks, SAN members are taking proactive measures to ensure public safety and the continued operation of essential security services," Uutaapama told Namibian Sun.
Uutaapama said the guards' actions, after being "misled" by activist and Namibia Security Workers Union (NASWU) president Michael Amushelelo, would have grave consequences and added that the strike resembled the actions of a "banana republic."
Illegal action
Uutaapama questioned the integrity of the guards after they heeded a call by Amushelelo.
Uutaapama also claimed NASWU is an unregistered union.
"The illegal strike not only poses significant challenges to the security industry but also raises serious questions about the integrity of our profession and the welfare of SAN members. SAN distances itself from employers and employee representatives who are not registered and recognised with the Ministry of Labour Industrial Relations and Employment Creation," Uutaapama said.
“SAN, as a member of the Namibia Security Labour Forum (NSLF), is actively engaged in continuous discussions regarding the minimum wage for the security industry, as outlined in the memorandum of understanding of the NSLF. It is important for the public and end-users to be aware that since 2017, there have been no statutory increases, and thus continuous negotiations are ongoing with the NSLF," he added.
More pay
At the start of 2017, the minimum wage for security guards and officers was amended from N$6.75 and N$7.00 per hour to N$8.75 per hour. The workers are now demanding N$15.00 per hour.
"We cannot afford to compromise on the protection of life and property, and we are fully committed to addressing these security concerns head-on. In light of these security risks, SAN members are taking proactive measures to ensure public safety and the continued operation of essential security services," Uutaapama told Namibian Sun.
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