Striking South Point security guards stationed at student residences have put the safety of both students and buildings in jeopardy.
READ: Student accommodation buildings left without security
The strike began on 11 September 2018 and has since seen one of the buildings being vandalised.
In a statement, South Point stated that they note, with concern, the ongoing strike action by their guards.
The guards form part of the South African Industrial Commercial and Allied Workers Union (SAICWU) and have demanded the following from South Point:
- A minimum wage of R8 500 per month
- Introduction of a provident fund, with a 50 per cent contribution by South Point
- Medical aid scheme with an 80 per cent contribution by South Point
- Abolishment of outsourcing
- A 15 per cent increase for all staff
- Long-service bonuses
- One extra day’s paid leave for medical check-ups
- Introduction of a housing allowance of R1 500 per month.
The parties reached a deadlock on 30 August.
On 6 September, SAICWU notified South Point of the intended strike, planned to commence from 10 September.
A picketing agreement, which outlined mutually agreed strike parameters was reached prior to the strike and was not adhered to.
Employees, residents, clients, suppliers and commercial/retail tenants were repeatedly threatened in spite of an urgent court interdict.
In their statement, South Point stated the following:
- These demands undermine the company’s long-term sustainability. The combined impact of the demands of the union will result in the lowest-earning employees earning in excess of R16 000 per month, which is, clearly, neither viable nor sustainable
- Despite negotiations taking place for over four months, there has not been a single concession or viable counter-offer from the union. South Point has made a number of concessions during the negotiations
- The union’s minimum wage demand, which they say is only a living wage, is more than four times the proposed national minimum wage.
South Point stated that they remain open to continue engaging with the protesting guards, regardless of the challenges of violence, intimidation and economic sabotage they have faced.
They are committed to finding a fast and fair resolution.
