How much is enough when it comes to receiving VIP protection? VIP bodyguards in Durban are demanding R40 000 tax free.
This follows a decision by the city’s security management unit to cut down its exorbitant overtime bill as a cost-cutting measure.
But the VIP protectors, who work overtime almost daily, proposed that their salaries be topped up by R40000 as a standard allowance in lieu of overtime.
The VIP protectors were said to be earning between R240 000 and R260000 per annum, excluding overtime. Their salaries equate to between R20 000 and R21 000 a month. The pay level may differ, depending on the number of services provided, and the rank of the officers.
At some stage, the city’s overtime bill amounted to R90 million in one month for a security management unit which included the metro police.
While their overtime pay has not yet been cut, some have approached management.
Several bodyguards gathered at Durban’s City Hall this week to seek clarity from the city executives about the looming cuts. But the hall was cordoned off and no one was allowed inside.
According to a security official who was among the group, they were not on strike but went to the city to seek clarity.
“We were concerned about working without knowing whether we will be remunerated. We were told to continue working while the proposal we made was being considered.
“But we have been hearing about the overtime cut, yet we work overtime every day,” he said.
The VIP protectors were responsible for protecting the mayor, speaker, city manager and any other official and councillors whose lives may be found to be in danger.
The average overtime for bodyguards was said to be over 100 hours, per person, per month and amounted to millions of rand.
Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) deputy chairperson Sipho Shinga confirmed that workers went to the City Hall out of frustration over their overtime pay.
He said while they were all paid last month, there were concerns that they might not get overtime this month. He said the proposal was made to top up salaries by R40 000 as a standard allowance and cancel overtime to save costs.
Source: Sunday Tribune Sun, Feb 20, 2022
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