In a dramatic turn of events, guards employed by the National Youth Security Service (NYSS), a state-owned entity under the Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service, have taken to the streets in protest.
The demonstration is fueled by allegations that the company has failed to uphold its commitment to paying a minimum wage of 10 dollars, as agreed upon in a substantive agreement with the Trade Union (NATAU) back in 2016.
The guards are currently paid 7,75 dollars per hour, which they contest is below the price of a loaf of bread.
Despite a court judgement ordering the company to retroactively pay the agreed minimum wage from April 2023, the guards claim that the NYSS has defaulted on this obligation. The court order seemingly fell on deaf ears as the company cited difficulties in receiving payments from clients for its services, leading to an inability to meet payroll obligations.
The guards, responsible for securing public installations, including state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and other critical infrastructure, are demanding not only the owed wages but also improvements in their working environment and overall conditions. Their frustration is palpable, as they feel their crucial role in safeguarding valuable government assets goes unrecognised.
The petition from the guards was received by Ben Biwa, the General Manager for Investment, who pledged to deliver the document to the line minister.
The guards are hopeful that their grievances will be addressed promptly and that the NYSS will lead by example in ensuring fair treatment of its employees, setting a standard for private companies to follow.
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