News

The All Kerala Security Service Employees Association, representing 12,500 security guards, and G4S reached a settlement following a strike in Trivandrum, India.  Approximately, 250 Activists marched and chanted through the streets of Trivandrum on October 29, preceding resumption of negotiations that afternoon.

The Labour Commission called the parties back to the bargaining table following several days of strike to negotiate implementation of the new Kerala minimum wage and workers' compensation law changes impacting private security workers.  This followed shortly after a difficult but successful round of negotiations a month earlier concerning the amount of the legally mandated annual bonus payment that can be the equivalent of a month's pay.

The AKSSEA and other Labour Unions in the region unanimously agreed on the terms reached in the settlement.

Private security guards have made significant improvements in wages, hours and working conditions in India over the last five years and G4S has led in the private security industry in making these advances.  Nevertheless, pay rates and long hours continue to be persistent problems for private security workers throughout India that are key drivers in ongoing organising campaigns.

Alice Dale, Head of Department for UNI Property Srervices, who was in Trivandrum and joined the workers on October 29 said, "these negotiations reflect the determination of workers to improve the standards in this industry.  UNI is committed to assist in their efforts to organise and make these good jobs that pay a living wage and afford workers a decent life."