THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE OVER 15,000 security guards employed to private security companies islandwide, are crying out for union representation.
With a force almost twice as much as the security forces (soldiers and police), security guards are the least represented in the work force.
The turmoil of the guards continues unattended, most of whom have to work under stressful conditions (12-hour working days).
Management turns a deaf ear to most of the concerns affecting guards.
Former Minister of Labour, Portia Simpson Miller laid the framework for guards to choose the unions of their choice for representation.
However, this has not materialised and the woes of the guards continue.
Benefits and compensation for guards who have given years of service to these companies are lacking.
Managements are opposed to guards being unionised. And for some reason the unions are dormant on the issue.
For too long guards have expressed concerns of dis-satisfaction in the system. Laws governing these private security companies need to be revisited and regularised.
I am, etc.,
SECURITY GUARD
Port Morant, St. Thomas
