The security industry is big business in Jamaica, especially in these times, yet in many of the related companies, management seems to be stuffing its pockets while paying little or no fringe benefits to employees.

It is full time the Ministry of Labour intervene and look into the well-being of employees. The Government must regulate this industry instead of sitting by while we continue to endure poor working conditions and getting absolutely no fringe benefits.

Statutory deductions

Our salaries are subject to statutory deductions, but we are not entitled to sick leave with pay or vacation leave, and if we don't work for a day, we don't get paid. Just imagine working with a company for five, 10, even 15 years, like slaves with hardly any time for personal affairs. If your services are terminated, you have nothing to get except for the hours that you have already worked.

Second, we have to pay for the shoes and uniforms we wear on the job. If we get ill, all they do is replace us with other guards. We have nothing to get or look forward to unless we are able to work despite our condition. This should not be allowed to continue!

Finally, we should receive full pay for Sundays and Saturdays. Anything less is unacceptable.

I am imploring the relevant authorities, who have an interest in the well-being of workers in this country, to understand our plight and intervene in this very grave situation as it helps no one when industrial action is taken.

I am, etc.,

UNHAPPY SECURITY GUARD

Kingston