SECUNDA – Security guards of a private security company known as HashTag Imvumo, which is contracted to Govan Mbeki Municipality were picketing outside the municipal offices on Wednesday, 31 March.
They demanded that their company’s contract be terminated.
These security guards are members of the South African Allied and Workers Union (SATAWU) and are safeguarding Govan Mbeki municipal buildings.
According to their union SATAWU, HashTag security company exploits workers by not paying them on time and they also claim that some are dismissed if raising work-related concerns and for joining the union.
The CCMA granted SATAWU a picketing certificate that allows them to picket outside Govan Mbeki municipal offices.
“Many of our members were dismissed because of joining SATAWU, this company doesn’t take its employees serious because we get paid when it suits the owners, not according to our contracts.
“We don’t have a pay date and when we asked about our pay date, we were told that the municipality is the one who paid the company late for services rendered,” said Mr Motawane Moloi, union shop steward.
Employees said since the company began providing guarding services at Govan Mbeki Municipality two years ago, it has not complied with the rules of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).
“Even our rates are not according to PSIRA standard.” “We were told that bonuses are not compulsory, and we work without leave.”
The workers said that they are tired.
They want the municipality to do away with the contract and rather employ them directly.
“The tendering system failed and promotes exploitation,” said Mr Motawane. HasTag Imvumo said they do not have a problem with their employees picketing, because it is lawful.
They do, however, have a problem with the workers’ behaviour. Mr Jabu Mabuza, the company’s human resources manager, said the company hired casual guards to work because they want their clients to get services as per their agreements.
“We are not happy with what our employees who are picketing, are doing. They abuse our casual guards and remove them from posts.
“What we know about their picketing rules is that they must picket at our offices, not at our client’s place.
“They are also not allowed to carry any dangerous weapons,” said Mr Mabuza.
Mr Mabuza said they want to respond to their employees’ demands and therefore have written a letter to the union.
He is still awaiting a response.
“But for now we cannot tolerate their unruly behaviour.
“If they continue with what they are doing at our client’s premises, we are left with no option but to approach the court for an interdict,’ concluded Mr Mabuza.
According to the picketing rules given to HashTag employees by the CCMA, the picketing may be held next to the employer’s main gate without interfering with the traffic flow into or out of the business premises.
Picketers shall use the ablution facilities at the employer’s business and only members and supporters of the strike may take part in the picketing.
“The picketing never disrupted their operations and all security measures, including access control, was operating as usual,” said Mr Donald Green, acting head of communications at the Govan Mbeki Municipality.
