Security guards demo off

A mass demonstration involving roughly 17 000 security guards across the country, which was scheduled to take place today, has been postponed indefinitely.

Union officials yesterday said the nationwide peaceful demonstration was put on hold to allow the authorities, including the police, sufficient time to mobilise resources.

Namibia Security Guards and Watchman Union Secretary-General Andreas Hausiku yesterday said the relevant parties are currently waiting for a conciliator to be appointed by the labour commissioner to assist in resolving the stalemate. The unions are demanding a 71% increase in wages, which the Security Association of Namibia (SAN) has countered with a 25% raise in return. The current entry-level wage is N$6.75 per hour, with the unions demanding N$12.50 per hour across the board at entry level while SAN countered with an entry wage of N$7.50 per hour and N$8.75 per hour for employees with a year or longer service.

SAN members last week said they are committed to better wages in the industry and were willing to negotiate but would not comply with “exorbitant” demands.