More than $5 million worth of claims have been reported against security companies.

This was confirmed by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Permanent Secretary Salaseini Daunabuna.

“From 2014 till to date we have received more than 1000 complaints against security companies regarding non-payment of dues and we have calculated over $5 million worth of claims,” Ms Daunabuna said.

“We have received a lot of complaints against security companies in relation to non-payment of wages, annual holiday, sick leave, meal allowance and overtime payment and security companies failing to keep proper wages and time records.”

Ms Daunabuna said the ministry was working with stakeholders to rectify and improve this situation.

At an information session held on Friday the permanent secretary urged employers to have consultations with the ministry compliance team for any employment related issues.

“We have emphasised to employers on the need for compliance together with good faith employment relations that will work with both employers and workers in maintaining a harmonious industrial and employment relations environment,” she said.

“We have clarified issues relating to workers employment contract and minimum terms and conditions of employment with minimum rates of pay.”

Ms Daunabuna advised all security companies to apply for a master licence from the Ministry of Defence and National Security.

Edited Ranoba Baoa

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