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Mediation in security industry wage talks: an update

A national wage negotiations process commenced in August of this year, involving representatives for employers and employees. Those talks did not achieve a positive outcomes, and as such a compulsory mediation process was set down to start in October 2019.

The talks focused on negotiating new conditions of employment and salaries, and it was conducted under the auspices of the newly formed Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector. The negotiations process is determined and prescribed by a Negotiation Protocol agreement.

The mediation took place on the 2nd and the 3rd of October 2019, under the auspices of a neutral and experienced facilitator.

“The demands made by organised labour remains unrealistic, and at odds with what employers are able to offer. A third mediation session has been scheduled for the 16th of October 2019,” said Chris Laubscher, elected as a joint employer representative.

He was speaking on behalf of the South African National Security Employers’ Association (SANSEA) and the Security Association of South Africa (SASA).

“We care about our employees, but we are unable to match their unrealistic demand of 16.62%,” he said. Employers are offering 5%. Unions have indicated their intention to refer the matter to the CCMA, for resolution.

Significant progress had been made in narrowing the issues and the gap between the parties. At the end of the mediation, employers offered an above inflation increase of 5% 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.

Organised labour’s demand equates to an average annual increase of 16.62% per annum.

“We regret that labour representatives have failed to acknowledge, amongst others, the current dire economic situation in the country, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which is currently around 4.3% and the unparalleled levels of non-compliance in the industry of the very regulations and terms and conditions of employment that results from negotiations between the parties.

“The employers are determined and remain positive to further engage with all the relevant labour representatives to find a suitable understanding and to reach an agreement that will benefit all parties,” says Laubscher.

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