Illegal demo guards arrested

POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested three security guards for allegedly staging an illegal demonstration amid reports that the sector was plotting a nationwide job action in protest over low wages.

Reports state that the industrial action began on Friday evening with most workers resisting reporting for duty citing incapacitation.

According to the secretary general of the Private Security Workers’ Union, Mr John Manyuchi, most security companies were failing to address the workers’ concerns.

“This is a serious cause of concern. We cannot keep providing security services for nothing. It’s unfortunate that we have had to take this route,” he said.

“We understand that we have some of our members that have been picked up by police and are presently being held in connection with our motive.

“Our members were picked up at our offices. We do not know the charges. Apparently, they are being accused of staging an illegal demo in areas around Makokoba.”

Mr Manyuchi said the highest paid security guard was earning an equivalent of less than US$150 according to the official rate.

“After deductions they take home US$60-75 a month. They are expected to execute their duties in diligence but we are not taking this,” said Mr Manyuchi.

He said three of the arrested security personnel were members of the national security union.

“We are yet to get finer details about what is happening but we will not stop and we will have our voices heard,” said Mr Manyuchi.

The strike began last Friday with some security guards being alleged to have been moving around security companies instilling fear among peers. The three arrested are expected to appear in court today. A security guard who spoke on condition of anonymity said some of them were now forced to wear civilian clothes instead of their uniforms, as trade unionists threatened to “take action against them” in their “unsanctioned” motive.

“The strike is nationwide. Members of the union are embroiled in a long-running dispute over pay. It should be held at the moment until notice is served on the employer, next week,” said the officer who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Some members said they did not want to be part of the strike but under the circumstances they were forced to be part of it. “Our members are due to appear in court tomorrow (today). We will have a detailed statement then,” said Mr Manyuchi. Comment could not be obtained from the police.