Security sector warns of 'mother of all strikes'
Democratic Transport Logistics and Allied Workers Union’s (DETAWU) general-secretary Vusi Ntshangase has warned if employers do not change their position on the the 1.1% wage increment the security sectors is heading for a "mother of all battles".
Labour unions in the security sector have rejected the 1.1% proposed wage increment and has described it is an insult to security guard workers.
The proposed increase means a security officers will make a mere 23 cents more per hour, according to the unions.
Last week wage negotiations reached a deadlock at the industry bargaining council.
The seven unions in the security sector, Abangobi, DUSWO, DETAWU, KAWU, NASUWU, PTAWU, SAAIWU, SANSAWF & SATUWA are calling for a minimum wage of R7500 for a Grade C security officer, R8000 for Grade B officer, and R8500 for Grade A officer.
Currently a Grade C security officer takes home R4377, Grade B R4891 and R5557.
"Each and every officer is ready to fight. And we think that if that is not changed anytime time soon by employers now, we are heading to a mother of all battles in the security sector," said Ntshangase.
The union represent close to 150 000 security workers, in the malls, residential properties, universities, and public sector facilities like hospitals.
The unions are expected to take their grievances to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on the 1 and 2 October.
Unions have warned failure to reach an agreement will lead to a massive protest.
Kungwini Amalgamated Workers Union’s (KAWU) Robert Dude said 1.1% proposed wage increase is an insult to workers.
"It is not our intention to say we want to go to strike, but we call on the employers let them come with a reasonable offer. 1.1% currently is an insult. Which will provoke the workers to take unnecessary action."
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