Public hearings on the private security sector have kick-started in Port Elizabeth with employers, employees and trade unions meeting under one roof to share views on the review of the Private Security sector regarding minimum wage increases and conditions of employment.
The presentation started with outlining the scope of the Act on the Sectoral determination which clarifies that the private security sector is about Guarding and protecting assets/lives/information and national key points (national key points personnel not allowed to go on strike). Excluded in the scope are managers (who have the ability to fire and hire).The car guards are included in the Sectoral determination (provided there is an employer employee relationship).
The Act specifies the minimum wage to be paid to workers which is based on the area where the company operates. Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage areas fall under Area 1 and the argument is whether the areas are still economically viable to remain under Area 1 category.
Burning issues on the sector ranges from bonus issues (13th cheque), Sector Provident fund, and minimum wages. Also up for discussion was the phasing out of Grade E to D, currently in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage area the minimum wage for grade A R3658, Grade B R3211, Grade C R2691, Grade D R2519, Other R2323.
According to Department of Labour Inspectors some employers do not comply with the minimum wages.
The CPI index currently is hovering at 6%; therefore discussions were around whether 6% should be used as a baseline for increasing wages for this sector.
Employees feel that increment should not be a blanket approach to areas 4 companies as it would be difficult to adjust their salaries area 4 to area 3 in year three of the previous review. Employers feel a 6 % increase will be affordable vs. 8.5 % signed by Bargaining Forum.
SATAWU says the current approach of using areas to determine salaries should be done away with as they believe in one minimum wage for the sector.
“The demarcation model encourages migration as employees will move from one area to another in search of a higher wage. Our aim is to ‘transform the industry’. said Mr. Andile Ndedwa, Local treasurer of SATAWU.
The union SATAWU believes in 6 plus 2 percent above CPI for 2nd and 3rd round.
The issue of employers deducting uniform on employees’ wages was clarified. Deducting for uniforms is illegal, as Section 19 of the Act says “no employer shall collect or deduct any form of uniform deposit from any employee” explained the presenter from Labour, Deputy-Director Mr. Shaun Feldman.
The hearings ended with a resolution to establish a forum. Another meeting that will include Department of Labour, ABSA, PSIRA, Trade Unions and Employers to discuss many issues raised by the Union on conditions of employment in the private security sector will be scheduled.
The Department will continue with more public hearings around the country. East London and Mthatha will hold their public hearings on private security sector on 17 and 18 May respectively.
Enquiries:
Vuyokazi Mbanjwa
Cell: 082 889 3936
E-mail: vuyokazi.mbanjwa@labour.gov.za
A debate on Private Security sectoral determination kick started in Port Elizabeth
