Various unions in the security sector have proposed to the government a gradual increase in the statutory minimum wage for security workers.

This is after it was announced recently that all workers should earn at least a minimum wage of N$18 per hour as of 1st January 2025.

However, in the case of farm and domestic workers, the minimum wage would be gradually increased over three years.

The trade unions raised concerns over potential job losses and company closures due to their inability to afford an N$18 per hour increase in wages.

Therefore, the unions are requesting that employee wages in the security sector be gradually increased to N$13.50 on 1st January, followed by N$16 in 2026 and N$18 in 2027, meaning over three years, as applicable to farm and domestic workers.

Employees in the sector are currently earning N$8.75 per hour, meaning that it would cost companies more than double in human resources if the minimum wage jumps to N$18 per hour.

The president of the Security Association of Namibia, Dhiginina Uutapama, stated that the increase would have a positive effect on the lives of employees while giving employers breathing space to make critical decisions.

"It is not good when there is, or when some employee is given a termination letter. That's why we said we want to fasten this, and we want to get answers before the deadline that we have humbly requested the minister to look into the application so that we cannot have job losses. Some of the people have already planned; come January, their kids have to go to school, and you are served with a letter that you are terminated. How will that person feel?"

Another concern raised was the lack of regulation in the security sector.

The Namibia Security Workers Union's David Frans stressed that although some regulations were put in place, there is a huge challenge when it comes to compliance.

He also stated that business owners often do not seek services from security companies and would rather hire people privately, often exploiting these individuals.

He said some companies also fail to pay the current minimum wage of N$8.75.

"These are the companies that end up getting government tenders or big tenders. But what they are paying is less than even what is required by the minimum wage, which was gazetted."

The trade unions are awaiting a response from the Ministry of Labour.