Security services firm rebuts GWU allegations

A security services company has rebutted allegations by the General Workers Union that it was among those companies that were paying its employees low salaries and employing them on 'precarious' conditions.

Global Security Services rebutted allegations that it employs personnel under precarious conditions in both the private sector as well as to the public sector, after having successfully submitted bids in public procurement contracts.

Global Security Services said it was open to any scrutiny by the competent authorities having the legal powers to exercise any such investigations. "The GWU is reminded of the stringent conditions imposed upon private companies having been awarded public procurement contracts that preclude any kind of precarious work conditions.

"Global Security Services exercises the most diligent employment conditions, including full entitlements according to Law, the provision of uniforms, security and communication equipment that currently include mobile phones to its personnel."

The company said it would take legal action against the GWU for any unfounded allegations.

The General Workers Union said a number of security companies were offering bids for security services at hourly rates that were lower than the cost of retaining full-time employees with all ancillary benefits per hour.

The GWU named Kavalieri Security, Signal 8 Security, Globe Security, and Executive Security Services as among the companies offering lower salaries.

The GWU said the government had to inspect all security contracts that may be providing "hubs for precarious employment."

"Employers offering their services at rates whereby it is impossible to retain a regular full-time employee including all benefits should not be accepted by government and other companies such as listed companies and other companies that wish to retain a distinguished reputation with the general public," the GWU said.

Companies that accept work below the cost-per-hour of engaging a full-time employee adopt such work practices such as getting employees paying for their uniforms and training, forgo entitlements such as sick leave and vacation leave, and being forced to work hours beyond the 40-hour week at a flat rate without extra compensation.

The Union appeals to Government to investigate Security Companies and to forbid awarding contracts to any companies caught engaging such practices.