Private security sector is modern-day slavery

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing this letter with disgust at how security officers in Jamaica are being treated. They have been suffering great trauma from the mistreatment and how the government has still been turning a blind eye to these concerns over the years. The security industry is what would be classified as modern-day slavery.

I have been in the industry for over 15 years and I must say it is the most thankless and toxic environment I have ever encountered. Most of these prominent companies tend to have some unlawful practices which go against labour laws and other laws that govern the land.

For example, I have worked at a well-known security company since 2016, where I have seen where guards face excessive punishments for minor infractions such as:

– Guards can be sent off on suspension for up to 20 duties, which would pretty much be equivalent to a month.

– Female officers’ duties would be cut for withholding sexual favours.

– Guards not getting paid for overtime.

– Guards not getting compensated for sick leave.

– Company rolling back a raise that was mandated by government whenever an infraction is committed.

– Withdrawing two days’ pay whenever someone is absent or calls in late.

– Response officers not getting paid the correct rate for overtime.

The said company has also been selling false hope to clients to give them a sense of safety by assuring them that response teams can respond within 10-15 minutes. How can this be possible when a team can be bombarded with so many false alarms and be burdened with roughly 20 locations pending. During the course of their daily shift, a team might visit roughly 90 locations. How is this healthy for any human being to be driving for 12 hours with no break or lunchtime.

And, if you do decide to take a break and a location is broken into, a team can face up to 15 days’ suspension as a penalty.

MICHAEL MCCALLA