Security guards call for fair p(l)ay

Since 2019, the security guards of the Department of Safety have always worried if their debit orders would go through on payday.

Their troubles began when a new short-term contractor was hired in 2019. “Before then, we had a long-term contract with another company and things went smoothly,” the employees said.

Since their first short-term contract, they have got used to meeting with their new “bosses” from time to time. “Because we keep getting short-term contracts, we’ve been without UIF and are unable to keep up with our insurance policies,” they added.

Their recent issues are with Exxaro Security, which had a four-month contract with the security guards, starting on 1 June and ending on 30 September.

According to the security guards, the owner pays them R20.95 per hour whereas they are supposed to get R21.95. “Although we haven’t signed any contracts, we all agreed to his rate because we were desperate for employment,” Maria Mkhohliso explained.

The first two months with Exxaro Security went smoothly. The employees were told throughout their contract they would be paid on the 15th of each month. For the first two months, there were no hiccups.

The problems began in September when employees noticed that all of them, except two, had been paid a flat rate of R5,300 despite them not working the same number of hours. The other two were paid R2,000. The employees claim that they tried to resolve the matter internally but had to resort to other measures when the company refused to rectify the issue.

“What the company did is not fair. Whenever we try and talk to the owner, he is rude and dismissive,” Maria Mkhohliso said on the guards’ behalf.

On 27 and 28 September, the employees were fed up with the endless excuses and embarked on a peaceful strike. When the Herald got in touch with the owner on 12 October, he said the issue would be rectified on the 15th of that month.

Zwelethu Masekwane (36), who was one of the people who were paid R2,000 says last month was extremely tough. Despite his salary discrepancy, he was still expected to come to work. He says his issue was only resolved on 4 October, which he believes was because they raised the matter with the media.

“I was on a month-to-month contract with public safety and transport and they never paid me on time,” Eddie Zunguza, the owner of the company explained in his defence. “Even on Friday the 15th, I’ll pay them from the money I get from the other departments. But I will not, under any circumstances, pay for the two days they were on strike as we had to find replacements for that day,” he added.

Zunguza added that, if employees have an issue with the pay rate, they should take it up with PSiRA.
The employees confirmed that they were paid but, once again, a flat rate. “We can’t understand how this was fair as not all of us had worked the same number of hours. What about the outstanding amounts he still owes us?” they said.

The employees are urging the Department of Safety to give them a long-term contract of at least five years. “That way, we’ll be able to pay towards the UIF and plan accordingly,” Patricia Phetwe (40) said.
The Herald asked the department of safety for comment but none was forthcoming in time for print.