Sir [-] If the UK's security industry thinks it is having difficulties in becoming accustomed to the new operational practises demanded by Security Industry Authority regulation, dispensation notices and so on, let's just spare a thought for our colleagues in South Africa.

On Thursday 15 June, thousands of security officers marched from Johannesburg city centre to the Sandton City Business District [-] a distance of around five miles [-] as part of their marathon strike. Striking security officers have not been at work for almost three months now, all because of a wage dispute. From an operational perspective, this has led to companies using temporary staff whenever and wherever possible.

Imagine the chaos… Customers unhappy, staff unpaid, security companies with substantial overheads and no income, rumours of striking staff going to loot premises where previously they were on duty.

The security operatives in South Africa are demanding an 11% pay rise. The employers initially offered 8%. They've now revised the three-year offer of between 7% and 9.25%.

The latest round of talks between the Union, Satawu, and the employers broke down early on in the week beginning 12 June. Negotiations now continue in Johannesburg under the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

Stuart Lodge, Managing Director, Lodge Service

Source

SMT