Employers in the private security industry reached a three-year wage agreement on Saturday night with 14 unions from the sector, parties said in a joint statement.
Negotiations began last year and resulted in a two-day strike in March.
The South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) was the only union not to join with 14 others — who represent 50% of the unionised workforce — in signing the agreement.
”Satawu’s refusal to agree was largely as a result of the fact that their leadership is overseas and it did not appear that their officials were properly mandated to settle,” the statement read.
According to the agreement, there will be a 26% increase in benefits over a three-year period, with an average increase of 8% a year.
”The employers are very relieved we managed to reach an agreement with the bulk of the unions. There was some very good, mature negotiating and at the 11th hour we got an agreement both the employer and unions are happy with,” said Steve Friswell, of the South African National Security Employers’ Association.
Harold Mdineka, spokesperson for the National Security and Unqualified Workers’ Union, said: ”All the unions are very happy.”
Thousands of security guard went on strike countrywide last week, demanding an 11% pay increase, improved working conditions, the right to use the toilet without being charged with deserting a post on duty and the right to lunch breaks.
The strike turned violent in parts of Gauteng, with a number of guards being arrested during clashes between guards and police.
Should Saturday’s talks have failed, the strike would have continued on Tuesday. — Sapa