Fiji’s private security industry is calling for major reforms to the Security Industry Act 2010, with concerns over worker exploitation, high staff turnover and changing workforce dynamics prompting calls for a modern regulatory framework.
The concerns were raised during a public consultation on the review of the Act at the Sugar Cane Growers Council boardroom in Lautoka yesterday.
Professional Security Services regional manager West Sanjay Kumar Nand said stronger regulation was needed to protect security guards and improve standards across the industry.
He said some non-compliant employers continued to exploit workers by failing to provide basic employment benefits.
“In terms of rights, many of their guards have come running to us,” Mr Nand said.
“They don’t give them FNPF or any leave. Sometimes they even exploit their workers, paying them only partially.”
He said poor working conditions had contributed to high staff turnover, making it increasingly difficult for companies to retain experienced guards.
“We are always looking for guards. This is an industry where the turnover is very high. People just come, and as soon as they get something better, they go.”
Mr Nand also noted a decline in former military and police personnel entering the sector, with more attractive career opportunities drawing experienced workers elsewhere.
The review of the 2010 Act is expected to strengthen industry regulation, improve worker protections and ensure the sector keeps pace with changing workforce needs.
Call to equip security officers
ESCALATING on-the-job risks have sparked urgent calls to allow private security guards to carry batons and handcuffs, following public consultations yesterday on the review of the Security Industry Act 2010 in Lautoka.
Speaking after session proceedings at the Sugar Cane Growers Council boardroom, Commissioner for the review of the Act Ana Rokomokoti emphasised that evolving workplace dangers necessitate stronger
protective measures for frontline personnel.
“The idea is to give them an opportunity to be able to defend themselves, considering that the security environment nowadays is very different from what it was ten years ago,” she said.
“The risks are higher and there’s more exposure to such risks.”
Ms Rokomokoti said that 16 years have passed since the original legislation was enacted, making the current review critical to addressing modern operational realities but she stressed that updating the legal
framework required direct feedback from those working within the industry.
“A lot has changed in the security landscape, and this review is very timely, but the review cannot be successful without the input from the members of the public.
“I’d really plead with especially those who are involved in the security business to come forward and give us their views.” Professional Security Services Ltd regional manager West Sanjay Kumar Nand pointed
out that the lack of restraint equipment posed severe safety hazards for officers handling volatile individuals
Push for 12-hour shifts
A VAST majority of security company employees and employers are calling for the implementing of 12-hour shifts particularly for those looking to make more income for their families.
This was highlighted during a public consultation on the review of the Security Act 2010 held at the Sugar Cane Growers Council boardroom in Lautoka yesterday.
Speaking at the public consultation on the review of the Security Industry Act 2010,
Commissioner for Ana Rokomokoti said this was also highlighted during the initial consultation in Suva on Monday.
“There was a good turnout in Suva, there was a lot of emphasis on the shift, from 8 hours to 12 hours but of course, I accept that the propositions coming from employer’s perspective,” she said.
“There is a suggestion that the 12-hour shift is something that the government should consider shifting towards and they gave the pros and cons.”
Ms Rokomokoti said many employees were focused on the take homer salary at the end of the week, particularly for security guards who were also sole breadwinners for their families.
“I think we had the figures from $227 or $220 to $331 per week net (if approved ).” Ms Rokomokoti said this suggestion seemed to be one agreed upon by both employers and employees, but the committee would also need to sort through the written submissions made via email.
