Security officers claim neglect
Security officers affiliated to South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) marched to the offices of a local security company in Polokwane on Tuesday demanding, among others, better salary packages and settlement of outstanding bonuses allegedly promised by the employer. Officials are accusing the employer of greed and ignoring their plight. They blocked a …
Security officers affiliated to South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) marched to the offices of a local security company in Polokwane on Tuesday demanding, among others, better salary packages and settlement of outstanding bonuses allegedly promised by the employer.
Officials are accusing the employer of greed and ignoring their plight. They blocked a section of Church Street leading to Lebowakgomo for two hours, disturbing the flow of traffic until the Police arrived at the scene upon which they dispersed.
A protester who spoke to Polokwane Observer on condition of anonymity, said that most of the officers have been working at the security company for more than three years and they are still on the same salary scale. “We have been earning R2 900 a month since 2014. He (the employer) promised us an increase and bonuses and we are still waiting. He does not pay the employees according to the sectoral determination as per the Department of Labour. There are no incentives for overtime and every time we engage him on the matter he brushes us off,” the person claimed.
Another employee said the main reason the employer was unable to pay his employees their deserved salaries and bonuses was that he depended on government tenders for income.
“He does not have fixed contracts with reputable companies, he relies on this corrupt government for business. Most of the officers don’t have access to the Unemployment Insurance Fund or a pension fund because they are on short-term contracts. He drafts six-month contracts for them so that when they demand better packages he is able to terminate their contracts.
“These are individuals who have responsibilities, they have got families to support and bills to pay. They can’t be treated this way,” the person claimed.
At the time of going to press the gate to the company premises remained locked with no visible sign of any human presence. A cell phone number alleged to be that of the owner and supplied by the protesters also remained unanswered. Satawu Provincial Secretary Paul Nephawe could not be reached for comment.
Story & photo: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert.observer@gmail.com
