UGANDA
G4S in Uganda
In Uganda, most security companies set minimum labor standards through the Uganda Private Security Association (UPSA), as well as recognizing and bargaining with unions on issues specific to their company. The Amalgamated Transport & General Workers’ Union (ATGWU) reports that G4S' local subsidiary has chosen not to join UPSA and abide by these basic standards, and not to recognize its workers’ right to organize.
In June 2005, reports ATGWU, a majority of employees of the company, then Securicor Gray, expressed a desire to form a union. Since then, the company has failed to recognize the union. ATGWU recounts a year of alleged stalling tactics by the company, as the company hides behind busy schedules, a change in the company's name and address, and other excuses. Finally, ATGWU reports, the Labour Commissioner verbally advised the company to recognize the union in accordance with the law. According to ATGWU, the company, now G4S Security Services Ltd., has not complied. The union is now considering legal action against the company.
UPDATE:
Support from security workers around the globe helps Ugandan guards win union recognition at G4S; Victory Puts Uganda’s Guards on the Road to a Better Life
April 11, 2007--The struggle for a voice at work is over for G4S guards in Uganda who have fought for more than 2 years along with allies across the globe to convince the British multinational to allow workers to organize a union. The recognition agreement paved the way for G4S to join other security firms operating in Uganda in negotiating improvements with security workers.
“This is an incredible victory for security workers at G4S,” said David Baliraine of the Amalgamated Transport & General Workers Union, the union representing security workers in Uganda and a member of the Alliance for Justice at G4S. “What G4S has done in Uganda, it should do everywhere. It should sign a global agreement with UNI.”
G4S workers around the globe supported the Ugandan workers, mainly cash and transit guards, by conducting a variety of actions calling attention to the company’s violation of laws guaranteeing workers the right to organize and bargain collectively. The company’s actions in Uganda were brought to the attention of government officials in the UK where the company has its headquarters. A complaint was filed against the company for violating OECD guidelines on sustainable development and workers’ right to organise into unions. The complaint which includes evidence of violations of national laws and international standards in Malawi, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, and other countries is still under investigation.
Contract Provides Improvements for Guards
The Amalgamated Transport & General Workers Union negotiated a number of improvements for Ugandan security workers including:
- higher wages security workers will see their pay increase from 85,000 Uganda shillings to 90,000 followed by a raise to 95,000 shillings.
- more paid leave
- improved maternity and paternity benefits including uniforms for pregnant guards and the opportunity for light duty assignments