Unions protest against non-compliance in security sector

Members of trade unions affiliated to NUMSA have assembled in Cape Town to participate in a joint picket in the security sector.

The unions protested outside parliament, against what they say, is the non-compliance of security companies in paying pension fund and medical insurance benefits to the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, among other issues.

The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) has called on the government to review its tender process for security companies.

The union embarked on a joint protest with other unions including NUMSA outside Parliament against alleged non-compliance of security companies.

The unions say some companies continue to ignore the regulations and are non-compliant in paying their contributions to pension funds and medical insurance benefits.

SATAWU National Security Coordinator Philemon Bhembe says, “Now we are saying to the treasury, tighten up your tendering process. Make sure when you award a tender, it ticks all the boxes. Make sure that you appoint companies that are compliant. Check if the company is registered with the bargaining council. Check if the company is deducting and registered with the provident fund and whether the company is medical cover compliant. Those are the things we want the treasury to look at.”

Among the protesting unions were also the Abanqobi Workers Union (AWU) and Kungwini Amalgamated Workers Union, KAWU which joined forces.

The unions have vowed to name and shame security companies that do not comply by paying benefits like pension funds and medical insurance.

They say thousands of workers in the security sector have been robbed of their benefits while employers are pocketing this money.

NUMSA National Organiser Security Industry Frederick Mabasa says, “We have realised that the majority of security companies who are having contract with the government are not complying when we confront some of these companies they are saying the reason why they are not complying is that the money that they are getting from government it’s not enough and that is why we decided to come here.”

Kungwini Amalgamated Workers’ Union Khumbulani Moyo says, “The unions have been calling for government intervention both from the safety and security portfolio committee and the finance committee side.”

The unions have called for government departments to enforce full compliance when appointing security companies who are providing security within the government.

There has been no government official designated to accept the memorandum of grievances and the unions dispersed peacefully afterwards.