High time the Labour Dept. looked into low wages of private security guards

Private security personnel professionally known as Industrial Security in this country are treated badly! That is a fact. They are the lowest wage earners but expected to shoulder the highest responsibility in any institution. Is the government and the private sector aware of this?

The facilities provided to them are a bare minimum. I challenge the public to go to most places where private security is provided and see for themselves; they have not been provided the basic facilities like shelter, toilets, drinking water or even torches, standby lighting nor even a cup of tea or facilities to make one, a chair, desk or stationery. Even their own security is at risk.

No one cares, but they are entrusted with the responsibility to protect billions worth of property and assets.

There is plenty of competition among companies which have mushroomed in this trade. Some are registered but avoid paying EPF& ETF, overtime, and provide only low wages.

The Labour Department should ensure some standards for this trade that is a vital part of the national security. Even though there is a professional body called the Industrial Security Foundation incorporated by Act number 51 of 1999 (ISF), not much prominence has been given to them.

If the Labour Department is to find a suitable solution, from Wages Board to a level of clerical grade where they will benefit in terms of leave, medical leave, salary scales, increments, overtime rates etc this will enable those in the trade to ensure better quality staff with a qualification received from the Vocational Training Authority along with training from the ISF.

These officers are expected to search employees, their bags etc and need to have a knowledge in first aid and firefighting. It’s time the Labour Department revised and upgraded the level of those in the trade if we are to expect their best towards prevention of crime!

Nihal de Alwis

Via email