Africa-Press – Namibia. SECURITY guards at the Southern Cross Security Services in Windhoek were rehired yesterday after they were fired for questioning their pay. They have, however, been placed on probation.
The more than 50 security guards demanded a salary increase after learning that only seven employees received an increase.
A letter signed by senior operational manager Herman Nortje, and given to workers yesterday, says the employees’ services were terminated with immediate effect for not adhering to the company’s request.
“We have given you enough time and a warning letter that if you do not start working within 10 minutes, steps will be taken accordingly. We hereby give you notice that your services are terminated with immediate effect. You did not adhere to our request. Please leave the premises with immediate effect,” he said.
Employee Paulus Tuhafeni said they are back at work for now and have signed a contract of six months.
“With this contract, if you do something wrong you will be fired with no warning. Although we are happy that we are back, there’s no freedom. You can’t complain about anything at all, you will be kicked out,” he said.
Tuhafeni said their freedom as employees is still being threatened if they are not allowed to complain or at least get warnings from their employers.
DEJECTED
Meriam Shalunda, who has worked for Southern Cross security company for more than 10 years, said even after working for more years in the company she receives N$2800 per month, the same salary as a person who started yesterday.
“The issue I have is that even if you work hard for more than 10 years you will still be paid the same amount, there is no difference. Only seven people got an increment, that’s not fair. We all work very hard here,” she said.
Shalunda said in the past they received a salary increase, but it has decreased lately.
“I was told that even if I’ve been with them for 10 years what do I have when I don’t have a certificate or driving licence. Apparently, why do I deserve a salary increment. But there’s nothing you can do. I have a family and school kids to
feed,” she said.
Security officer Mathew Shikongo said they are not protesting and they did not strike. All they asked was why only certain people received an increment.
“They promised us they will give an increase to everyone, but only seven people got it. Others are unhappy because we all wake up early in the morning coming to work,” he said.
Shikongo said they like their job, but the only issue is how the management is treating them.
Another employee, Muhepa Petrus, said after they asked why only seven employees were given an increment, Nortje told them they had 10 minutes to leave the premises.
“We did not strike, we just wanted an answer, but they do not respect us as employees. They look down on us not knowing that we risk our lives for this job. Norjte was very rude to us and even insulted us. We are not free and they make double deductions if you go on sick leave even after providing the doctor’s proof,” he said.
Petrus said they would like to work again and be given a fair salary.
The company’s chief executive officer, Johan Janeke, said employees did not get the same salary because of differences in work performance.
Janeke said if employees want to come back, they will have to go through a three-month probation regardless of how many years they have been with the company.
He later told The Namibian that employees are back at work and have taken up the issue with the labour commissioner.
“I would like to inform you that the matter was amicably resolved between the company and the employees in the presence of the labour inspectors.”
The employees resumed working at 14h00.
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