Delayed Private Security Sector prescribed new minimum wages and conditions of employment to start next month – Department of Labour
The long-awaited new private security prescribed minimum wages will kick-in on 01 October 2018.
The current prescribed minimum wages in the sector expired on the 31 August 2018. The new sectoral determination was supposed to start on 01 September 2018.
The three-year determination was last proclaimed in 2015. The private security the sector recently (July) registered Bargaining Council, they have not concluded a collective agreement hence the current sectoral determination will still be enforce.
Department of Labour Deputy Director: Employment Standards Shaun Feldman told a Private Security public hearing held at the Department’s Provincial Offices in Kimberley, Northern Cape that workers and employers in the industry need to make their inputs before the promulgation of the new sectoral determination.
Feldman cautioned that the current review comes on the back of tough economic conditions amidst a recession. He said the Bargaining Forum had proposed a 6,7 percent increase in the new minimum wage determination.
The Department of Labour today (17 September) wound-off a public consultation process with the stakeholders in the Private Security sector with a view to amend the current prescribed minimum wages and conditions of employment for the Private Security Sector.
The Private Security Sectoral determination applies to every employer and employee in the sector including car guards. Private Security Sector includes employers and employees associated for the purpose of guarding or protecting: fixed property, premises, goods, persons or employees, in including monitoring & responding to alarms at premises which are guarded by electronic means.
The rates are determined by areas where duty is performed.
Workers in the Private Security are demanding a minimum wage of R7 500. The workers are threatening a strike if their wish is not granted. Some of the matters raised by workers in the Private Sector were: continued payment of “pittance wages”, non-existence of Provident Fund benefits, the insourcing of security services and elimination of middle man, employment of illegal foreigners.
Feldman cautioned against demanding of excessive wages, saying this could have devastating effect on jobs.
The workers also called for amendments of conditions of employment, demanding an increase in leave days, an end to intimidation of workers wanting to join trade unions, adherence to health and safety issues, and a review of night shift allowance.
The department started with its public hearings on 10 September in Rustenburg, Polokwane and Pretoria. This was followed by hearings on 12 September in Durban and Cape Town. On 14 September consultation hearings were held in Nelspruit, Bloemfontein and East London.
Enquiries:
Teboho Thejane
Cell: 082 697 0694
