The Acting Secretary General of the National Security Guards Protection Union (NSGPU) Mekupi Kandorozu has taken issue with companies that he says, refuse him permission to address members.
He particularly pointed out companies at Otjiwarongo and Okahandja.
Kandorozu alleged that one company, Oshikoto Transport and Investment, terminated the contracts of employees who joined the union.
While the workers' termination letters do not state the reasons, Kandorozu noted that ten union members were targeted.
“What happened is also that this sort of victimisation of Security companies makes the guards withdraw from the union because of reprisal. They are afraid they are going to lose their jobs and due to a lack of information and education, this is discrimination to them.”
Approached for comment on the allegations, Oshikoto Transport and Investment's Human Resources Practitioner Foibe Mwandingi dismissed the claims, saying the employees' contracts simply ended, and the company has no issue with its workers joining unions.
Kandorozu accused another company, Kyani Anti-Poaching And Security Group, of paying workers in portions, which results in financial challenges and high bank charges for the affected workers.
“The owner of the company blatantly mentioned that we shouldn't. I should not come to the parade to address the workers. Ironically, he went to bring in another Union, which he imposed on the guards, and this Union has access to the workers.”
Kyani Anti-Poaching and Security Group Founder Danie van Der Westhuizen dismissed these claims.
“We had an agreement with our guards because of our financial problems. We explained to them that we can have our payment in a portion in one month or two to three times because of the financial problems.”
Membership payments of his workers, he said are up to date.
Another owner, Marshell Gomeb of Khaibasen Security Services, explained that his issue is not with the NSGPU engaging with employees, but takes place during work hours.
“It also affects the clients. It happens that we are coming late with the guards on site. It can happen that we can also lose that site.”
Most of his workers, Gomeb stressed are registered with the Namibia Security Workers Union, who have been active over a longer period.
The NSGPU has 68 members at Kyani Security.