Security industry wage talks: an update from SASA

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).

The 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.

“We care about our staff, but we are unable to match their unrealistic demand of 16.62 per cent. The demands submitted on behalf of employees equal unrealistic and unattainable conditions and salary security industry within our current economic climate.”

Employers are offering 5 per cent while organised labour is demanding an average annual increase of 16,62 per cent for the three-year period.

Unions have indicated their intention to refer the matter to the CCMA for a strike certificate.

Significant progress, has however, been made in terms of narrowing the issues and the gap between the parties, according to Mr Botes. At the end of the mediation, employers offered an above inflation increase of 5 per cent for a Grade C security officer with a rand or value equivalent increase to the higher-level grades in each respective year for a period of three years.“We regret that labour representatives have failed to acknowledge the current dire economic situation in the country, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which is currently around 4.3 per cent and the unparalleled levels of non-compliance in the industry (in terms) of the very regulations and terms and conditions of employment resulting from negotiations between the parties.”

That said, employers are determined and remain positive about further engagements with all the relevant labour representatives to find a suitable understanding and to reach an agreement that will benefit all parties, Mr Laubscher says.