ASSOCIATION NEWS
SASA UPDATE
Security industry wage talks: an update from SASA Compulsory mediation for wage talks in the security industry have so far failed to reach an amicable solution, says Tony Botes, National Administrator for the Security Association of South Africa (SASA).
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he national wage negotiations process, which started in August this year, involves representatives for employers and employees, he says. To date, the talks have not achieved any positive outcomes, with the result that a compulsory mediation process was set down to start in October. The talks have focused on negotiating new conditions of employment and salaries, he explains. Conducted under the auspices of the newly formed Bargaining Council for the Security Industry, the negotiation process is determined and prescribed by a wage protocol collective agreement. Mediation has so far taken place on 2 and 3 October, with a third session scheduled for 16 October, under the auspices of a neutral and experienced facilitator. “The demands made by organised labour are unrealistic and at odds with what employers are able to offer,” says Chris Laubscher, the elected employer representative.
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“We care about our staff, but we are increase of 5 per cent for a Grade C security unable to match their unrealistic demand officer with a rand or value equivalent of 16.62 per cent. The demands submitted increase to the higher-level grades in on behalf of employees equal each respective year for a period of unrealistic and unattainable three years. IF conditions and salary “We regret that labour YOU NEED increases for the representatives have failed ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE security industry within to acknowledge the current CONTACT SASA: our current economic dire economic situation in Office: 0861 100 680 climate.” the country, the Consumer Email: info@sasecurity.co.za Employers are Price Index (CPI) which is The full SASA membership offering 5 per cent currently around 4.3 per cent list is available at while organised labour and the unparalleled levels of www.sasecurity.co.za is demanding an average non-compliance in the industry annual increase of 16.62 (in terms) of the very regulations per cent for the three-year period. and terms and conditions of employment Unions have indicated their intention resulting from negotiations between to refer the matter to the CCMA for a the parties.” strike certificate. That said, employers are determined and Significant progress, has however, been remain positive about further engagements made in terms of narrowing the issues and with all the relevant labour representatives the gap between the parties, according to find a suitable understanding and to to Mr Botes. At the end of the mediation, reach an agreement that will benefit all employers offered an above inflation parties, Mr Laubscher says.
SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2019
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