The Namibian Security Labour Forum has emphasised the urgent need for proper regulations in the security sector and called for the implementation of the long-pending Security Act.
This follows concerns about certain security companies not adhering to minimum wage standards while still receiving and depending on government tenders.
The forum pointed out that the industry suffers from unfair competition and exploitation, worsened by the lack of regulatory enforcement.
This call by the NSLF follows the approval of a new phased-in implementation of the National Minimum Wage for the security industry by the Labour Ministry.
Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum wage will increase from N$10 to N$13.50 per hour.
This increase will continue with N$16.00 per hour in 2026 and eventually N$18 per hour in 2027.
Some employees believe that the increment is insufficient. However, the forum maintains that the negotiations were conducted with the best interests of the employees in mind.
This, the forum says, the incremental hikes are to prevent job losses.
The forum has warned that companies that do not comply with the wage order will face legal consequences.