Security officers protest over unfair dismissal

Tsakani – Former security officers staged a protest outside Pholosong Hospital on Monday, alleging unfair dismissal by their security company.

Bhekani Abantu Services provides security services to the hospital. The former employees claim 11 security officers were dismissed and coerced into signing mutual separation agreements.

Operation Dudula’s labour desk representative, Themba Mthembu, said the organisation was informed about the labour abuse.

“The workers are complaining about their working conditions, such as being expected to work in the cold and unfair labour practices.

“The security company is also accused of firing employees for misconduct and forced them to sign these agreements against their will,” he said.

Mthembu added that the workers were allegedly intimidated into signing without having enough time to read the agreements thoroughly.

He said the security officers were supposed to receive sufficient time to seek legal advice before signing.

He added that, upon signing, some employees claim they were promised they would receive help to get new jobs.

“The surprising part is that in the terms and conditions of the agreement, there is no clause that mentions a promise of a new job,” Mthembu revealed.

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One dismissed employee, Ishmael Motini, recalled what he claimed was unfair treatment of the employees.

“We were not allowed to stay in the guard room for more than 10 minutes. It is impossible to sit outside in the cold for the whole night. If you disobey that rule, you could be dismissed. They don’t warn or charge you. Instead, they just dismiss you,” Motini revealed.

Mthembu said the company does not follow the grievance procedure detailing the steps employees should take when they have a complaint.

“The company had created an environment of fear to the extent that the employees are afraid to practice their rights,” he added.

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The African Reporter sent an enquiry to Michael Douman, the general manager at Bhekani Abantu Services.
He responded by saying he would revert once he had all the facts.

“I plan on meeting with these employees and the union representatives,” he added.

The hospital’s communications manager, Fikile Oyekanmi said the hospital’s management does not get involved in contractual agreements, including the conditions of employment between the private security and the deployed personnel.

“We wish to assure the public of our continuous commitment to patient safety, providing quality and dignified service to every patient in our care,” she added.